Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Norman Smith Obituary
Veterinarian, 66
Dr. Norman Smith, DVM, a lifelong resident of the Morongo Basin, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 21, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication and love for his family, friends, animals and members of the local community.
Norman was raised in Yucca Valley, and is a graduate of Yucca Valley High School. Shortly after completing his training at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, he chose to return to the Hi-Desert to open his own practice and ambulatory care service.
Dr. Smith started Companion Animal Clinic in 1990, saved countless animals' lives, and diligently served his community and the surrounding desert cities for nearly 34 years that followed. Norman has been described as "a voice for the voiceless" regarding his exemplary and compassionate care of animals and their humans. His calm, kind, and wise words will always echo in the hearts and minds of so many of us.
In 1995, Norman married the love of his life, Shara (Ronchetti) Smith, and together they raised two wonderful sons, Camron and Taylor Smith, and many beloved pets. They were always up for a new adventure, and built a wonderful life together. Norman's untimely passing has been a devastating blow to all who knew and loved him.
Norman is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shara Smith, sons Camron and Taylor Smith, daughter-in-law Jennifer (Beeler) Smith, grandson Owen Smith, sister Jacqui Smith-Bates and many other extended family and friends. The care he provided to his family so innately and selflessly is unparalleled, and his warmth towards others was contagious. He will be deeply and irrevocably missed.
We appreciate the outpouring of support, condolences, kind words, and special stories that have been shared with our family.
Dates for a celebration of life remain undetermined, but we anticipate an open service to take place in the fall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Smith
Jerry Von-Toman
January 15, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim & Karl Gardner
August 20, 2024
Dr. Smith, so much to say but my words are hollow compared to your accomplishments. You will be missed by so many. God has a wonderful vet.
RJ Hettig and family
August 15, 2024
Sorrow.. I first knew Norm on the swim team back in the 60s. So many memories, RIP
Mj Millar & Family
May 15, 2024
Norman's passing has broken hearts of many . His love of animals shown deeply . The lives and treatment to them was with compassion and use of knowledge. Our prayers are with you. Rip Norman
Debra Remmers
May 14, 2024
Such a great vet..so sorry
Maria Olen
May 6, 2024
Dr. Norman Smith was my Veterinarian, he was nice, empathetic and kind.
He will be missed. Thank you Dr. N Smith...
Dave Steavens
May 2, 2024
To Jacqui,
I m sorry for the lose of your brother.
I know you miss him.
Take care.
Dave Steavens
May 2, 2024
To the Norman s wife and boys, I know you lost a big piece of your heart,.and I am so sorry for your loss of Norman.
I knew Norman since he was 4, his family and mine moved here from the city, Sybil was one of the mothers that watched over some of the construction kids, Norman was Butch, one of us was Gus.
Butch was always thinking about something, always had a smile, but, if his lips disappeared, you knew he was not happy.
We were good friends till later in life, that s just the way life is.
Last time I saw him was in 2016 at Gene s funeral.
He was such a good man, and I know he touched many lifes, you can see that in all these letters, and he will be missed dearly by all.
BYE BUTCH!!
Sidney Goldman
April 29, 2024
We deeply mourn this loss. Dr. Smith was a true physician to pets and their owners. He was humane and humble with a good sense of humor as well as reassuring to those of us who treasured his care.
Gary Clark
March 25, 2024
Norm was not only a great help with the care of our many horses, dogs, and cats, he taught my daughters and myself so much. Not only about how to care for them, but about a love for life that encompassed so much more. He was truly a great man and will be missed by all that knew him. I offer my family's sincere condolences to his. He passed much too young, but accomplished more than can be praised here.
Jennifer Ronchetti Strickland
March 22, 2024
Hardly a day passes that you all are not brought to my remembrance, my heart and prayer's will continue to go up for all that have been touched by grief from the loss of a beautiful light in their lives. He was truly full of kindness. Norm will always be remembered in the most beautiful cherished way.
Love you all,
Jen
Don & Vicki Parsons
March 21, 2024
Norm was not only our vet, but over the 30 some years we knew him, but became a dear friend. He went out of his way to help with our horses and pups. I remember discussing how it was a possibility he may move to San Juan Capistrano. After a lengthy talk, I told him you'll never find there what you're potential is here . So happy he stayed where he was totally appreciated and loved. God rest his soul...
Cindy Murphy
March 17, 2024
My condolences go out to Norm's family he was one of a kind he had it when it came to our beloved animals when one of our horses got bit by a rattlesnake he came to our house right away and saved my horse he was always kind and compassionate whenever I lost one of my animals he will forever be missed rest in peace Dr Norm Smith we loved you.
Carol Strop
March 17, 2024
I hope that the tremendous outpouring of sympathy to you for the loss of Dr. Smith will give you a sense of the impact he made. He was, of course, a wonderful vet but one thing made him unique for me. From the very first moment he walked into the room to meet my dog and me, he made me feel like friend. That was truly special and I cried for his loss. Rest in peace, Dr. Smith.
Lisa Cockrell
March 16, 2024
Our first Rottweiler Max was so sick. (At the time) we didn't know to NOT GIVE a dog chocolate. I went to Norms house. He opened the door in his bathrobe with a coffee mug in his hand and told me he will go right to the office.
It was too late for our dog, but the compassion this gentleman had was most admirable. WE will never forget him and his love for animals. RIP wonderful human.
Mike and Lisa Cockrell
Ron Taber
March 16, 2024
So sorry to hear this. We send our love and prayers to the family. Ron and Natalie Taber
Calvin Atkinson
March 16, 2024
Seems like half my life was spent around the Smith kitchen table...before & after work...some of the best days. Miss you all.
Denis DAOUST
March 15, 2024
Are condolence from the DAOUST family
Christina
March 15, 2024
Dr. Smith will be so missed by so many. My heart goes out to his amazing wife Shara and his family. Rest in Paradise Smithy.
Sherry Hogan
March 15, 2024
I have never met a more compassionate Dr. the care he gave to my pets was unmatched. My heart aches for his family.
Teri McCormick
March 14, 2024
My heart goes out to the Smith family over this devastating loss. Norm became our vet in 1991, starting with horses and dogs. He helped tremendously with our Paint Horse breeding operation, and also as the vet for our boarders horses. He remained our equine vet until his departure from horses and then until our last dog passed away, but will always be considered a friend. He was a remarkable person and though my husband passed in 2016, I'm sure they are cracking jokes and talking horses from up above. Rest in Paradise Norm, you are greatly missed!! My sincere condolences to his family
Karen Gemette
March 14, 2024
This news deeply saddens me. I have been going to Companion Animal Clinic for many years and have had the privilege of having my pets cared for by Dr. Smith. He was kind, attentive, and so caring. He took the time to explain, suggest, recommend the best course of treatment. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his wife and children and the entire family.
Fred & Sandra Oravetz
March 13, 2024
Our deepsest condolences to yhe family. Norm was one of kind. He will always be remembered in the community and among friends. Very special family. Many prayers.
Dena Griffith
March 12, 2024
Dr. Norman Smith showed great compassion and veterinary care for our 2 shepherds, Monkey & Peanut. He will be missed.
Laura Darlung
March 12, 2024
Dr. Smith was the best vet around. He was always there for the animals. He will be missed dearly
Melissa and Peter Spurr
March 12, 2024
Dr. Smith was a legend. He was so caring and compassionate toward all of our pets and us. He performed Hansel´s knee surgery, and he was so kind to us when we said goodbye to Gretel. He was delighted to meet Emmie when she was our new pup, and he told us, "Dog people don´t do well without dogs." He was wise in the ways of animals and people, and he was always so generous with his time and attention. He was the best vet-and for that matter, the best medical professional-I´ve ever encountered. His untimely loss is felt widely. May he rest in peace.
Diane Reed
March 2, 2024
Dr. Smith was so kind and compassionate - an exceptional, gifted vet and human being.
Dawn and Dean
March 1, 2024
Best vet ever, an amazing human being
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Norman Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Norman Smith
How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Norman Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
