Jeffrey Smith

1941 - 2021

Jeffrey Smith
April 28, 1941 - February 16, 2021
Fresno, California - Jeffrey Haydn Smith, passed away February, 16, 2021. Born in Fresno, on April 29,1941 to the late Phillip and Jesma Smith. He was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Flavin.
Growing up in Newport Beach, Jeff developed his love for sailing. Long weekends were spent on their family boat, the Samarang, at Catalina Island, crewing for James Cagney (next-door neighbor), racing on his father's 44' Island Clipper, the Aloutte, or fleet racing his Snowbird, while a Junior Member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club.
In Jeff's junior year of high school (1957), the Smiths moved to Carmel where he attended Carmel High School. Jeff played football and became know as "Golden Toe", an able field goal kicker. He held the freestyle record on the swim team for some 20 years. Carmel High School set the stage for his next 30 years, as he married his high school sweetheart, Constance Joanne Chedester. For the next 28 years, Jeff and Connie lived a life filled with fun and adventure; traveling, sailboat racing, entertaining and volunteering their time to many community nonprofits.
Directly following graduation, Jeff & Connie moved to Fresno California. He served in the United States Coast Guard while working in the family business - Walter Smith's Menswear. In short order, Jeff managed the stores, became a menswear buyer and a third generation owner.
Jeff was involved in many civic activities; including President of the Downtown Rotary, President of the Downtown Club, Metropolitan Museum, and involved in the development of the Fulton Mall. His favorite roll was to serve as the President of the Bull Dog Foundation. He was an avid Bull Dog fan. Jeff also served as a founding member of the Cal Bowl and fund raiser for the "new" stadium located on the Fresno State campus. Jeff was proud to outfit the Fresno State basketball and football coaches in RED blazers from the store.
As a father, he shared his passions for life with his two children, Walter Smith of Fresno, Jennifer Brigham of Minneapolis, and his stepchildren Michael, Ashley and Rocky Strachan. All avid skiers, sailors & outdoorsmen, to his credit.
Most weekends were spent at the Smith's family Huntington Lake cabin with close family friends. Much of the time was spent boat racing, skiing, and hiking - the fun list, after addressing cabin chores. Jeff raced his Santana 22, Mistral, and Santa Cruz 27 to podium finishes annually in the High Sierra Regattas. He also sailed in the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit including the Transpac Race with his buddies from the Oklahoma City Boat Club and the Fort Worth Boat Club. Jeff was the founder of the Black Pot Cook-Offs (featured in the Fresno Bee). Eventually, the cook-offs over ran the Smith family cabin and the venue was moved to Shaver Lake, where it remains an annual event, benefitting the Shaver Lake Historical Society.
In Jeff's fifties he married Michelle Gamber Strachan. Jeff and Michelle had many great adventures themselves with family and friends.
As the end neared, Jeff reflected fondly of his close friends and as he said "I just want to go outside and play"! It is certain, Jeff is now catching up with old friends and reminiscing of days duck hunting at the Brittos Duck Club and a life fully lived.
He is survived by his son Walter and wife Jennifer Smith of Fresno, his daughter Jennifer and husband Scott Brigham of Minneapolis, stepsons Michael Strachan, Rocky Strachan and stepdaughter Ashley Conners, granddaughters Morgan Murphy, Rachael Ryan Smith, Alex Brigham, Robin Brigham; and nieces and nephews.
The family would especially like to thank Joy, Lorik & Ophelia of the Green Gables Care Home for all their love and support.
A private service will be held at later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jeff's name to the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation.