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Richard Smith Obituary
June 2, 1949- July 1, 2013
Resident of Las Vegas, NV
Richard passed away peacefully at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada after a two-year courageous journey with cancer. Born in Tacoma, Washington he returned to his mothers' hometown of Capitola when he was 7 years old and became involved at St. Josephs Church where he received his first communion and became an altar boy. After graduating from Santa Cruz High he joined the Air Force, and during that time met his first wife Kristin (Olney). He was an avid hanglider until he traded his glider in for a dining room table after his second wife Emily (Nahnsen) became pregnant with their first child while they lived in Los Gatos. After their other 2 children were born the family moved to Boulder Creek and Rick started a management career with Philips in the semiconductor division that lasted over 20 years. Rick loved to hike, and after retirement moved from Boulder Creek to Georgia to Las Vegas and hiked as many trails as he could find including every trail in the Red Rock Park near his home in Nevada. He loved his family and had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth A. (Millang) Tyler and Richard E. Smith. He was survived by his three children, Jonathan and wife Elise, Timothy and Allison Smith, his grandchildren Mason, Nolan and Easton Smith, his siblings Elizabeth (Owen) Gladfelder, Jorgane (Jim) Skinner, Mary (David) Mellow, David (Elizabeth) Tyler, and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday, July 10th at 1pm at St. Josephs Catholic Church; 435 Monterey Ave. Internment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Aptos, CA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smith
Hiking Henry Cowell- Rick, Brad, Elaine(me), David & Cassie June 11, 2008
Elaine Alicia
April 8, 2014
Oh, I was just searching for Rick to contact him , then I found this. I was a friend in Boulder Creek when he lived here, & hiked with him all over the mtns before he moved to Georgia. Listening to his stories and his hiking excursions. We chatted multiple times when he lived in Georgia too. Sadden by his loss. He was a great man. My condolences to his whole family. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You were an inspiration. Elaine Alicia
Cathleen Boyce
March 11, 2014
I don't know what to say to you all other than, I am so, so sorry for your recent losses. Wow. May God carry you through this difficult journey. Love to you all.
July 10, 2013
Thanks for your impeccably-timed and insightful advice, which will continue to embraced. Your wisdom will be missed.
Leana Long
July 9, 2013
In 1990 & 1991 Rick & my husband Don coached their sons, Timothy & Don Jr., for SLV Little League. He spent a lot of time coaching & allowing the kids to come to his house to use the batting cage. He was a great coach & friend to all of us. Sincere condolences to the family. We will miss him.
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July 9, 2013
Rick: We love and miss you every day. Jim and Jorganne
Bonnie (Storkson) Smoller
July 9, 2013
To all of Rick's family, a big hug and hoping your love for Rick and all your memories bring comfort to you.
David Tyler
July 8, 2013
Thank you for being my brother.
Robert Millfelt
July 8, 2013
Richard, thank you for being our next door neighbor and friend in Boulder Creek. We shared many good times together and lots of good food that Jan made. I really appreciated all your help through the years. You were always there to lend a hand and I never had to ask. I always enjoyed our phone calls after we both moved from Boulder Creek. I miss you a lot.
Jan Smith
July 8, 2013
Richard, you were the first neighbor we met in Boulder Creek and our favorite. It didn't take long before you, Robert and I were friends. You always had this upbeat personality and spirit, even while trying to beat cancer. We will miss talking with you. Our hearts go out to your family, as I am sure they will miss you also. You were one of a kind. Our deepest condolences to your family.
Eileen Carruth Aragon
July 7, 2013
A heartfelt wish for the family to cherish your memories. Rick, Suzie, Jorg, Mary, and Melvin were like family when we were growing up.
July 6, 2013
Dear Rick, Jim and I miss hearing your voice and talking to you on our usual regular basis. We know you fought a valiant battle and are now with God whom you were so devoted to. Rest in peace our dear brother. Our love and best wishes to your wonderful children, grand children and daughter in-law who we know are also missing you terribly. We love and miss you. Jim and your sister Jorganne.
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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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