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Richard Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smith
Valerie Balsz Shelton
May 11, 2025
My favorite teacher of all time. I will always remember him. He was so kind .
Carolyn M
February 16, 2024
Richard "Darling" Smith was a big influence in my art and my life. He was my art teacher at Estancia and one of my teachers at OCC. I miss him and I'm happy to hear that he had a happy retirement in Cambria. I will never forget you Mr. Smith.
June 13, 2015
Richard and Ruth were our neighbors in Laguna Beach. I married their neighbor who had been established in the neighborhood. Ruth and Richard made me feel so welcome. I will always remember this kindness. Richard had a keen sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved his family.
I will miss you, Richard.
Andrea Kustin-Mager
Bob(coach) -Louise Moore
June 12, 2015
We were saddened to hear of his passing, coach has some very fond memories with him from "dear old Hart Hi (in its "hay day" ) our thoughts and prayers to Ruth and family, God Bless,
Center for Family Strengthening
Lisa Fraser
June 8, 2015
We want to thank Mr. Richard Smith and his family for your thoughtful request to send donations in lieu of flowers to Center Family Strengthening. We are non-profit organization that connects resources to families in need, protect children from abuse and neglect and ensure that strong families are community priority in San Luis Obispo County. We are honored to be recognized as we carry on the legacy and values Richard Smith shared with his family, modeled for his students and practiced each day in San Luis Obispo County.
June 4, 2015
I notice that in almost all of these messages, it is Mr. Smith that we refer to. Most of these friends were students 50 yrs ago. I have been to dinner at Richards house, visited with him and Anne. I consider him to be one of my best friends.
I don't believe I called him Richard more than 5 times in 50 years.
This is a measure of the respect we have for this remarkable man. Case
Merrilyn Duzy
June 3, 2015
Mr. Smith was also my teacher at Hart High, in Newhall, CA.
He taught with such verve and enthusiasm. He taught us all how to "see" as artists. My first oil painting was done in his class, - we had to paint an egg on a plate on a cloth. So simple, but with so many possibilities. He introduced myself and the class to all the current artists who were pushing boundaries. He was my first significant art teacher. He will always be remembered and missed.
June 1, 2015
Mr Smith was my art teacher at Hart High. He had such a great impact on his students. I always hoped to see him at a class reunion over the years. He was my favorite teacher and I was a better person for having his influence. I send my love and sympathy. Marcia Fredrickson Good
Pam McQueen (Sippel)
May 31, 2015
Mr. Smith was my Art teacher during my Senior year at Hart High. He left a huge impression on me, and encouraged me to continue to strive in Art. I remember his kind words and constant encouragement. May his family find peace knowing he touched so many young hears. Praying for all of you during this time of sorrow and great loss.
Deborah Troncale
May 31, 2015
Mr. Smith, I remember our class going to the Los Angeles Art Museum and I stopped the elevator by pressing the RED button. When the doors opened to let us out, there stood Mr. Smith! All he said was "I knew it was one of us". He was such a great teacher, the only class I actually did art work. Such good memories of him.
May 31, 2015
Mr Smith was my homeroom teacher for 3 years primarily....I wasn't an art student, so I was very fortunate to have him at least ten minutes or so daily for three years...if memory serves, he also did some announcing at football games....great guy....
Carolyn Geidner
May 31, 2015
Mr. Smith was my art teacher in the 60's at Hart High School, Newhall, Ca. He taught me to think outside the box and express it on paper with paint or charcoal. Thank you, Mr. Smith.
Valerie Shelton (Balsz)
May 31, 2015
Mr. Smith was a wonderful teacher to me at Hart High School in Newhall, Calif. I have never forgotten all the kindness and encouragement he gave me in his class. My favorite teacher! Rest in peace Mr. Smith. You will always me remembered.
Bud Stanley
May 31, 2015
Sorry to hear of "Mr. Smith's" passing. I spent many pleasurable hours in his Art classes at Hart High over 50 years ago. He definitely had an impact on my life.
Charles (Bud) Stanley
John Eden
May 31, 2015
Richard Smith, my art teacher at Hart high inspired me to be unconventional and become an professional artist. I have tried unsuccessfully many times to track him down,to thank him for lighting that flame. He was a fellow traveler, a positive force.
GOD SPEED MR. SMITH
Suzanne Markuson Roberts
May 30, 2015
Such sad news! I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Smith was my art teacher at Hart High School in '64/'65. We will remember him at our 50th Reunion this fall. Prayers and Peace to you. Suzanne
May 30, 2015
My favorite teacher from Hart in the 60's.. Lee Doughty
Boris Hamilton
May 29, 2015
So sorry to hear this, Mr. Smith was a great teacher, a great guy and a huge influence. He was the best!
Marybelle Knight
May 20, 2015
Richards' "Dawn Caught" is now hanging in my office and I am so blessed that I purchased it at the Laguna Art Festival (1973) and will always have a reminder of his talent. (His chili is also memorable!!!)
Jenny and Tony keale
May 20, 2015
Sorry for you loss.
Teresa Smith
May 20, 2015
Its hard to express my deep sadness, Losing Daddy (Your Brother) Last year, and now you have gone to Join him.. The pain is deep.. Deep as your amazing voice.. I hope you and Dad are enjoying a nice hot cup of Coffee, and finishing that game of poker he wanted to play when you visited him in the Hospital.. You are all together now, A family reunited..One Day we will all make that Family bigger, And we will see you and everyone agin.. Until that time just know how much you will be missed here. We will ALL look after Aunt Ruthie, You would be proud of her strength while she also deals with her devastation.. I LOVE YOU Uncle Dick, So very much......Billy is beside himself with sadness, As is Deb.. Its been a very hard year and 1/2, Too much pain and loss.. I will miss your stories, But I am so happy and proud to have your art and pictures, and all the wonderful Memories you gave us. I am proud that you are my Uncle, And I will miss you deeply. I love you.
Rebecca McCoy
May 20, 2015
Bless Richard on his new journey. He will be greeted by many family members that preceded him in death. My condolences and love to his close family at this time.
neil shafer
May 20, 2015
will see you later cuz
Karla Edwards
May 19, 2015
You will be greatly missed...your sense of humor, your loving kindness, your fantastic memory of Colton High hi-jinks and your magnificent art work.
joel case
May 18, 2015
their are no words, now.
Joel C.
May 18, 2015
If there's poker in heaven, angels better watch out.
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