Howard L. Smith

Smith, Howard L. Age 95, of Golden Valley, MN, passed peacefully on December 6, 2025, in his home with his family.

Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Cecelia and Samuel Smith and siblings, Stanley Smith and Leona Laurie. Survived by his cherished wife of 65 years, Clarice; sons, Stanley Smith, Corey Smith, and Lance (Alison) Smith; grandchildren, Jacob Smith, Lily Smith, Drew Smith, Aylah Smith, Ruby Smith, Jonah Smith, and Tiger Smith; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, where his love for swimming developed. After graduating high school, Howard joined the Marine Corps and swam for the Marine Corps Swim Team at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California. During his time in the Marine Corps, he competed at the Olympic Trials for the 1952 Finland Summer Olympics. After he served in the Marine Corps, Howard attended the University of Minnesota and quickly became one of the highest point earners on the Swim and Dive Team as a breaststroker. In 1955, he earned an "M" award for his incredible athleticism. During college, Howard met the love of his life, Clarice, and married her shortly after in 1960. He and Clarice built their family home in Golden Valley and have lived there ever since. Throughout his career, he proudly sold Chevrolets and ran his own handyman business. He found joy in swimming, golfing, backgammon, sipping scotch on the rocks, basking in the hot summer sun and spending time with friends especially at the Jewish Community Center. As a grandfather, known as How, nothing was better than taking his grandchildren out to breakfast. At 85, Howard beat lung cancer and spent his final years surrounded by family and enveloped in their love. Special thanks to Howard's dedicated and kind caregivers, Sarah Barto and James Taha.

Funeral service 2:30 PM, Tuesday, December 9 at United Hebrew Brotherhood Cemetery Chapel, 2605 W 70 1/2 St, Richfield. SHIVA 7 PM, December 9, at Adath Jeshurun, 10500 Hillside Lane W, Minnetonka 55305. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Shalom Home, Sabes Jewish Community Center, Chevra Kavod Hamet Adath.

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