Robert Smith

1947 - 2025

Robert Smith obituary, 1947-2025, Oakland, CA

Robert Smith

1947 - 2025

Robert Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 6, 2025.
Robert Dale Smith died peacefully on April 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Born in San Mateo, CA, on December 23, 1947, to Orville E. Smith and Bessie Tracy Smith, Robert spent most of his life in the SF Bay Area before retiring to Ashland, OR, in 2012.

After work as a plumber and planner, he became a librarian and educator. Robert held positions at the Alameda Naval Shipyard, St. Mary's College (1987-1991), and Berkeley City College (1991-2006).

His academic journey was a testament to his passion for learning, earning a BA from Sonoma State University in 1982, an MA in Library Sciences at UC Berkeley in 1987, and a MA in English Literature from SFSU in 1990. He also pursued graduate work in literature at Reno State University.

Robert was an avid kayaker, a lover of poetry and literature. He is survived by his beloved son Dale Smith, grandson Jagger, brother Dennis.

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May 9, 2025

Laura Wiley posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Laura Wiley posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2025

Kathy Sigman posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Laura Wiley

May 9, 2025

Thank you for being my friend, Bob. I enjoyed our talks about poetry and life. You always told it like it was.

Laura Wiley

May 9, 2025

Kathy Sigman

May 6, 2025

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Sign Robert Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 9, 2025

Laura Wiley posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2025

Laura Wiley posted to the memorial.

May 6, 2025

Kathy Sigman posted to the memorial.