Robert B. Smith

Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, and a longtime resident of Newport Beach. Known to his friends as Bob, he influenced the lives of many through his work, friendship, and kindness.
Born in Columbus, Ohio to Robert and Jennie Smith, he moved to Seal Beach with his family in 1957, and he attended Huntington Beach High School. He majored in public speaking and psychology at Cal State Long Beach where he was a member of Sigma Pi and was elected associated student body president in 1966. In college he met the love of his life, Carmen Bowman, and they married in 1967.
A life-long learner and teacher, he taught psychology at Orange Coast College from 1972 to 2004. In addition to education, Bob was actively involved in real estate development, serving as project manager for the Old Town Irvine restoration project and later as project manager of Discovery Science Center, Santa Ana.
Bob was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and would spend as much time with them as possible. He enjoyed traveling and new experiences, and he cared deeply about improving people's lives. Most recently he started a men's group at the Oasis Center in Corona del Mar to discuss "man's third act," as he called it, about how to live well in old age. He also was a commissioner on the Newport Beach Arts Commission, and he helped obtain many sculptures for the sculpture garden at the Newport Beach city hall.
Bob's steady wisdom and warmth will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, their sons, Robert and Adam, three grandchildren, Ava, Olivia and Colin and two brothers, David and Dan.
Memorial services are pending and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Robert's name to the Newport Beach Arts Foundation.