Brian Wilson Smith

1961 - 2020

September 15, 1961 - November 19, 2020 Brian W. Smith, of Sunland, died unexpectedly in Glendale, CA on November 19, 2020. He was 59.Brian was a graduate of Flintridge Preparatory School (1979) and the University of Puget Sound (B.Sc., 1983) majoring in Computer Information Systems, with a minor in Mathematics. He worked as a network administrator, first for Mann Theaters, then for Baskin-Robbins, before leaving the field to earn an M.A. (2004) from the Psychology, Marriage and Family Program at Antioch University. As an LMFT, Brian worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health providing mental health services to incarcerated juveniles at risk for recidivism. In addition, Brian also mentored MFT interns and trainees.Brian always had tremendous empathy for people and for stray animals. He successfully rescued nine dogs and two cats, providing them with a loving home. They were all his kids, and he spoiled them with treats and affection. He obtained certification for two pups as therapy dogs and worked with them as a volunteer in Huntington Memorial Hospital's Pet Assisted Therapy program. Airplanes and automobiles were Brian's pursuits in his free time. He enrolled in flight school in Van Nuys and soloed in June, 1992. He also enjoyed building and flying RC planes, and attending air shows, auto shows and classic car swap meets.Brian was a wonderful soul, smart and witty with a creative streak. While still in high school, he wrote and illustrated a hilarious recurring comic strip starring a diminutive green legume as an unlikely superhero. With his high school friends, he built electronic projects and made stop-motion Super-8 movies of action space adventures set in fantastical otherworldly outposts. As an adult, he was keenly interested in photography of weather phenomena and whale watching. Brian was predeceased by his father, Theodore B. Smith. Survivors are his mother, Jean D. Smith of Pasadena; his two brothers, Geoffrey of Los Angeles and Stephen of Denver; and his two chihuahuas, Mali and Moxy.The family is planning a memorial service at a later time when it's safe to gather.