Douglas Malcolm Smith

1935 - 2022

Douglas Malcolm Smith October 12, 1935 - January 23, 2022 El Cajon Douglas Malcolm Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, social worker, and pillar of his community passed away on January 23, 2022 at the age of 86.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Mary McKain Smith ("Mop"), and father, Colonel Robert McKee Smith ("Pop"), brother, Robert Smith and sister, Barbara Requa. His brother, Richard Smith passed away on 1/29/22. He is survived by his wife, Ardith; his three children, Steven Malcolm Berg-Smith, Jeffrey Owen Smith, and Jennifer Lyn Niskey; daughter in-laws, Karen Berg-Smith and Ann Kulis Smith, son-in-law, Jack Niskey; his six grandchildren, Hayden, Jacob, Tanner, Malcolm, Sarah, and Kaia; and an endless list of friends and acquaintances. To know Doug, was to love Doug! He spent his lifetime reaching out to people of all walks of life, and supporting everyone he encountered in feeling important, honored, and respected. His network of connections is immense.

Doug was born in Dayton, KY on October 12, 1935. With his father in the military, he lived in a variety of places before the family settled in Carlsbad, CA in 1942. Doug graduated from Oceanside-Carlsbad High School in 1953, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Whittier College in 1957; a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1960; and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California in 1964.

Doug was passionate about his grandchildren, the wonders of nature and the outdoors, and tending to his garden. And, mostly, Doug embodied service. He spent his lifetime giving back to his community in a variety of ways, and had a way of bringing humor, punning, and good cheer into all his social situations. To spend time with Doug, was to laugh and have fun!

Doug's work career began in 1960 and spanned a variety of roles in education, service, and social work. The pinnacle of his career was spent for 30 years serving as Director of Social Services and Patient Relations at Grossmont Hospital. To know Doug at Grossmont Hospital, was to experience his selflessness, compassion, optimism, and untiring advocacy for patients. In 1987, Doug was elected the NASW Health Council San Diego County Social Worker of the Year.

In his later years, Doug was a devoted grandfather. Affectionately known as "Papa Doug," he loved going to his grandchildren's athletic events and school performances. Playful at heart, he would wrestle on the floor, kick the ball in the hall, do dress up for make believe play, tease, tickle and tell silly jokes.

Doug was a devoted husband to his beloved Ardith. Together they loved adventure, going on camping trips, and mostlyspending time with, supporting, and loving their children and grandchildren. As Doug always said, "we'd walk on coals" for our family.

Doug influenced a host of people over the years. He was a father figure for many young people, and in reflecting on his passing, a common theme of co-workers, friends, and old acquaintances is that "I'm a much better person having known Doug." Doug was one in a million and will be sorely missed.

In recent years Doug valiantly lived with dementia, and peacefully passed away after contracting COVID-19. A celebration of Doug's life is planned on April 16, 5:30pm at the Mission Trails Visitor Center (mtrp.mtrp.org).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Douglas Malcolm Smith to Whittier College Scholarship Fund (whittier.edu/giving), Grossmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary (give.sharp.com/grossmont-hospital-foundation/doug-smith), or The Redwood Parks Conservancy (redwoodparksconservan-cy.org/donate-rpc).