Dr. Sydney Murray Smith

Dr. Sydney Murray Smith Passed away Thursday afternoon, September 15, in the Palo Alto home he had lived in for the past 56 years. He was surrounded by his loving caregivers and family. Sydney was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Ferguson Smith, in 1994.

Born on Fox Island in the Puget Sound of Washington on February 28, 1912, Sydney was the youngest of eight children. Raised in the Tacoma area, he graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from Washington State College in 1938. He moved to Palo Alto and began what became a 52-year practice at the El Camino Veterinary Hospital.

Sydney was an active member of the Elks, the Rotary Club, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and a variety of other civic organizations. He loved to travel the world with his wife, to garden, and to spend time with his family. He is survived by five children, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A service will be held at Roller & Hapgood & Tinney in Palo Alto on Wednesday, September 21, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Guide Dogs for the Blind, the American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society of the United States Animal Relief Fund.