Stephen Michael "Steve" Smith

Steve Smith of Oxnard left this world in the early morning, slipping peacefully away at home after a valiant battle with complications from diabetes - a condition he developed after beating colon cancer. Though his body grew weary in his final months, his mind stayed sharp, ever-ready with a story, a joke, or a clever fix for the next broken gadget that crossed his path.

Born the eldest of four in Oxnard, California, Steve inherited a love of tinkering from a post-WWII world full of innovation and promise. He turned that spark into a lifelong career as a two-way-radio repairman, first polishing Motorola radios, then keeping Ventura County's law-enforcement fleet humming on the hillsides - often scaling daunting mountaintop antenna poles.

After working several years for Stan Harris at Harris Communications in Simi Valley, he eventually bought the business and relocated it to Camarillo as Signal Communication Services. He earned a reputation as the "go-to guru" of the tri-county radio scene. A proud licensed ham operator, Steve could be heard chatting across the airwaves, swapping anecdotes, and offering impromptu technical advice. Even after retirement, Steve kept the signal alive, leading spirited radio scavenger hunts that became legendary among friends and colleagues.

A true gearhead, Steve's early years were spent revving his beloved Ford Torino at drag strips, earning two proud second-place trophies. His loyalty to Ford never waned; the Torino's license plate even doubled as his ham-radio call sign, WB6TNL. Music, movies, and motors fueled his evenings. From the Beatles to Jan and Dean, and the occasional Weird Al Yankovic parody, his playlists were as varied as his projects. Sci-fi marathons of Star Trek, Quantum Leap, and The X-Files kept his imagination firing on all cylinders, while NASCAR, Formula-1, and weekend drag races satisfied his need for speed.

Steve leaves behind a sprawling, love-filled clan: his wife Karan (Althoff) – his steadfast partner through every project and prank; sister Roseann Smith; Brother-in-law Joseph Wilson; late brother's partner Maureen O'Malia; children & grandchildren: Adam Smith & wife Kelly – parents to Kyle Broxson (married to Kim), Noah, Levi, and Emily Smith, Sarah Smith & partner David London – parents to Abigail and Alexander London, Craig Smith & partner Xochitl Becerra – parents to Ximena Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty (Flaschenriem) Smith; sister Deborah Wilson; and brother Christopher Smith.

Steve's greatest gift was his storytelling - whether recounting an interesting customer, mischievous escapades with his brother, or the time he was shot at while on a boy scout outing. Those tales will continue to echo at gatherings, reminding us that curiosity, humor, and a willingness to tinker can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

As we say goodbye, we invite those who loved Steve-or simply appreciates a good piece of hardware-to explore his eclectic collection. Take what you need, cherish the ingenuity, and remember that the best tribute is to keep building, fixing, and sharing stories just as he did.

Rest easy, Steve. Your signal may have faded, but the frequency you set lives on in every laugh, every repaired device, and every heart you touched.

Please join us for Steve's final sign off. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 22 at St. Anthony's Church, 2511 South C Street, Oxnard. There will be a reception for family and close friends to follow service. Ask a family member for the address.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in memory of Steve Smith.