Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Douglas Smith Obituary
Douglas was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on September 19, 1940 to John Carson Smith and Marie Martha (Molkenbur) Smith. His family moved from Minnesota to Stinson Beach, California in 1942.
Douglas attended Tamalpais High School, where he competed in cross country, running several Dipsea races. After graduating in 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a Radarman 3rd Class aboard the destroyers USS Perkins (DDR-877) and USS John R. Craig (DD-885.)
On November 18, 1962, he married his childhood friend, Shelby Lynne Patterson, at Sacred Heart Church in Olema, California.
After his discharge from the Navy in 1962, he worked at the Marin Independent Journal until 1970 and then for the San Francisco Newspaper Agency as a printer and prepress foreman until his retirement in 2002. He was a proud member of the International Typographical Union and later, the Communication Workers of America, being a union member in good standing for over 50 years.
A longtime resident of Stinson Beach, he was a member and past chief of the volunteer fire department, and was a well regarded member of the community.
Besides his wife of 55 years, he is survived by his son Carson Timothy Smith of Concord, his daughter, Katherine Smith of Stamford, Connecticut, his twin sister Diane (LeMay) Smith of Yuba City, his aunts Kathleen (Zeverino) Brown of Hastings, Minnesota and Joanna (Vasquez) Brown of Maplewood, Minnesota, his sister in law Pamela (Araujo) Patterson of Brentwood, his nieces Heather Mccollum of Phoenix, Arizona and Jessica (Harrigan) Araujo of Discovery Bay, his nephews Joe LeMay of Yuba City and Nicholas Araujo of Discovery Bay. He was predeceased by his older sister, Barbara (Neighbors) Smith.
His ashes were scattered by his family at Table Rock in Stinson Beach on November 24, 2017. A memorial service will be held January 20, 2018, at 1 PM The Orchard View Lodge at Summerset IV in Brentwood, California.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice East Bay, or one of the following charity groups: The Civil War Trust, St Vincent de Paul, or the Disabled American Veterans.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Smith
4 Entries
January 15, 2018
Continued msg. Also expressing gratitude from Tom in spirit for everything Smitty did for him in many years of friendship. Fair winds and following seas...
January 15, 2018
Doug/Smitty/Butch will be so missed. He had a huge reservoir of energy and generosity, quick to share his vast knowledge, funny as hell, and gave advice ("I'll tell you what I'd do.") The last time we spoke, he had said, "Don't be a stranger." He was always there for people. My sincere condolences to the family. RIP Smitty Love always.
January 11, 2018
Great Guy. Always a smile & funny word. Missed. RIP Butch
Nan & the bulldogs
Joe Lemay
January 10, 2018
In my early childhood, grandma Marie would teach me to say things in Polish to uncle Butch to rile him up. It wasn't until years later, I learned she taught me all the cuss words. He was always trying to trade things with me. I had a hat that was emblazoned with Confederate symbols and he tried to swap me for a broken BB gun. He almost suckered me into it too. He was always a sharp one, and very shrewd. I learned how to be street smart and fiscal responsibility all in one summer. I'll miss his quick wit the most.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Douglas Smith's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Douglas Smith
How to support Douglas'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 Douglas 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
