Albert William Smith, a resident of Santa Cruz, CA and Lake Tahoe, CA passed away on September 4, 2018. Born to Albert Edward Smith and Mary Schaw Smith in Sacramento, CA on October 10, 1936, Albert was one of two children. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 1958. Having lost his father at an early age, Al was determined to live life on his own terms and to march to the beat of his own drummer.

Al invested independently in small companies. He did so with a desire to see the underdog win, and because he enjoyed the creative ideas and camaraderie afforded by many talented entrepreneurs.

With a large stature (6' 5") and abounding curiosity and intellect, he tended to create an indelible impression. He was well versed in California history and art and had a special appreciation for the High Sierras. He loved genealogy, music, and road trips. Covering highways and backroads of California, Al gathered heaps of details large and small. His accumulation of local lore was spun into long yarns shared with willing and unsuspecting listeners alike. The book Neighborhoods, A Collage is a tribute to these adventures.

Living in Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe and Kauai Hawaii, he maintained long-term relationships with people through regular breakfast meetings, social gatherings and long conversations. From time to time, he might throw out a comment to cause a stir.

This summer he greeted his new great grandson and daughter-in-law from Japan with great enthusiasm and a wide smile. Albert W. Smith passed away in Truckee, CA with family members at his side. He is survived by his wife Louisa Baumann Smith; his four children from his first marriage, Kristin Minges, Elisa Smith (Alex Harding), Hilary Smith, and Timothy Smith (Jeanne), grandchildren Rachel and David Minges (Miki); Lily and Will Harding; Grant and Blake Smith; and great grandson Akito Minges; his three step-children Laura Marx, John Suhr (Dawn) and Charlotte Cruz (Stephen); step grandchildren Justin and Charlotte Marx; and William, Lassen and Charlie Suhr; and his sister Ann Soske.

The family wishes Al well on his current journey and will continue to listen for his unique drumbeat.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Smith

8 Entries

Ric Eittreim

September 30, 2022

Al once told me he would be on some other planet some day... I hope in my heart that he was right. "Ric, what's faster than the speed of light?" - questions like this were always part of the conversation and I loved this guy from the moment we met so many years ago. We meet interesting people in life but for me, Al was the #1 most interesting person I had ever met and I miss him to this day. Safe travels, Al....

Denise Kirby

July 2, 2019

Oh Al, I can't help but smile knowing you are on the other plane that we spoke about. I know you are delighting in the unencumbrence of the human body & it's limitations. I am so thankful that our souls shared space during this particular journey. I am forever greatful for the laughs, smiles, thought provoking conversations & inspiration that you shared so willingly. I'll miss our visits here on Earth, but look forward to, as they say, catching you on the flip side. Much love.
P.S. I haven't forgotten what you asked me to write in the Temple at Burning Man. It will be done.

Jalama Beach, CA

Ric Eittreim

January 18, 2019

Al will forever remain in my heart. The many hours of conversation, fascinating questions, innovative concepts and countless introductions... Al fostered an entire community of thinkers and innovators. He embodied his book, "Neighborhoods: A Collage" in many ways as his entire life was indeed, a neighborhood, rich in ideas, creative people and fun. I am honored to have given away hundreds of his books and certainly wish him well on this new journey and hope with all my heart that we meet again in a distant galaxy... Bye, Al. I really miss you.

Dr. Terry Saigh

November 21, 2018

So sorry my oldest friend in CA passed without notice. An original mind and a good friend for 4+ decades. Condolences to Louisa and to his wonderful family.

shrish yasa

October 25, 2018

You have lived a nice life

October 22, 2018

Hi my friend,
Thank you for being my big brother, while my brother is in England. You have always been a source for many laughs, but always with kindness. We will really miss your stories, from that unique drumbeat ! Such a loss to humankind !

With much love and sadness,

Bill and Nancy (Crum) Doyle

October 11, 2018

"I will fortify you, yes I will help you".

Isa. 41:10

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