Peter Smith

Pete Smith was born April 19, 1933, in the City of Orange. He grew up in Laguna and Newport Beach. Pete always knew he wanted to be an announcer and worked for several L.A. radio stations and even the CBS network. In 1962 he began working for the Gene Autry owned 710/KMPC. During his more than forty years in L-A radio, it was KMPC where he spent his longest journey on the air, working alongside radio legends like Dick Whittinghill, Gary Owens, Wink Martindale, etc. and meeting his wife, of 44 years, Nancy. Pete also used his mellifluous tones for 21 years at Armed Forces Radio Services where he was heard around the world. In 1979 Pete became a radio station owner himself joining a group of investors to buy K-Wave in San Clemente, which he ran until 1985. He then lent his voice and encyclopedic knowledge of jazz to the "Music of Your Life" radio network. In addition to radio, he loved sports, especially the Dodgers. While working at a radio station within walking distance of Chavez Ravine, he would watch the stadium being built with his brown bag lunch and could hardly wait for opening day April 10, 1962. Pete also voiced many commercials for radio and TV, documentaries, a few movie trailers and provided in -flight entertainment for several American and international airlines. Pete's other interests included refurbishing classic cars and thoroughbred horse racing. He and Nancy even owned several horses that won races at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Hollywood Park. After retirement they split their time between their homes in the Palm Springs area and Rosarito Beach, Mexico. He died at age 90 peacefully at home in the desert and the family will have a Celebration of Life at their home in Rosarito Beach. He is also survived by sons Dan and Randy, stepson Rob and many grandchildren.