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Patrick Smith Obituary
September 7, 1931 -
October 9, 2013
Patrick Smith died suddenly of a heart attack on October 9, 2013, at the age of 82. He was the devoted and beloved husband of Jane, loving father of Michael, Peter, Lia, Haidee, Mele, Andrew and Oona, doting "Hoppa" of Amethyst, Dylan, Cory, Kaitlyn, Julien, Kyle, Mayali and Cypress. Patrick was the son of Burton Smith and Marguerite Smith (née Beaudin), and brother to Janet Ticknor (née Smith), Glenn Smith (deceased), and Kent Smith. He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews. Patrick served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, earned his PhD in modern literature at the University of California, Davis, and taught English at the University of San Francisco for three decades. He was the founder of Pancake Press, an accomplished poet, writer, and artist, and he had an insatiable curiosity about all things. He played a mean game of handball up to the end. He loved to travel, especially to Venice, the city that had his heart. We'll miss his potato salad, navy beans, chocolate cakes, Sunday pancakes, and loving presence. Patrick was laid to rest in a private ceremony on October 19 at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland.
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Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Smith
Mostafa
June 3, 2021
Professor Patrick Smith is missed very much. I met Patrick while I was mathematics faculty at the university of San Francisco during 1982-1986. At facuty lounge, I had conversations with him while having lunch. He was a caring and sensitive person . He made good suggestions regarding some poems which I had written and in general made helpful comments regarding poetry and short story writing. I have been busy teaching science and engineering. Now that I am retired I have time to reflect on life and use patrick's suggestion to improve my writing of poetry and short stories. I deeply miss him.
Stephen Lee
October 2, 2014
I had Dr. Smith for a film class as a freshman at USF in 1977. I still remember his three-part grading scheme on my papers, a gentle note or comment, and the signature "Love, Patrick". I never shared with him the profound impact he had on me as a young student, which I regret. Rest in peace, and thank you for your kind guidance.
Kimball Taylor
November 21, 2013
Although I didn't know Patrick well, we made quick friends at the Squaw Valley writers conference. Though half his age and not nearly as talented, he was generous with his wisdom, kind and inspiring.
November 21, 2013
Patrick has been my very special friend since we were sophomores at the Marquette University School of Journalism and copy boys for three years at the Milwaukee "Sentinel." We have been in almost constant comm over the years, and I helped him decide to choose a career as an English professor when he was debating playing handball professionally and wrote a letter of recommendation for him. I value his poetry, prose and letters from Venice, and two of his paintings grace the walls of my apartment. He, Jane and the children will always be in my prayers.
-- Richard Coanda, Ph. D.
Andrea Cano
November 17, 2013
To my dear knob creek friend. This bartender will always think you. And I still have the poem you wrote with my name in it, hanging in my house. Love you Jane
November 17, 2013
I am fortunate to have met Patrick at Squaw Valley. One of those people one never forgets. A great literary man of generosity. I am sorry to hear of his passing. Sharon Dennis Wyeth
Gabriella e Carlo
November 17, 2013
You have been like a father for us
November 13, 2013
loved you Patrick
Ivana
November 6, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Patrick's passing. He will be missed and I will always think of him when I see his art. I feel so lucky to have known him. Such a gentle and generous man. Love to Jane ....Kristi
November 6, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Ginnie Watts
November 4, 2013
Patrick's brimming life enriched our own (gng)...with integrity and warmth and wonder. Au Revoir, fine friend.
Larry Ruth
October 28, 2013
A fine man. Poet, writer, raconteur, teacher, photographer and more... He will be missed ..
October 25, 2013
Dear, dear Patrick. Venice will never be the same. Laurie & Howard
Kazim Ali
October 24, 2013
rest well, patrick
Uldis Kruze
October 23, 2013
Patrick was a dear mentor and friend at USF. He was a fighter for the rights of faculty, and a brave and intelligent man. I will miss him. Love to Jane and all his family. Patrick Smith was a very special man.
Brett Hall Jones
October 23, 2013
We will miss Patrick. He was a talented poet, writer and painter and a kind a generous man. Much love and support to Jane.
-Brett Hall Jones
Community of Writers at Squaw Valley
Grace Butrico
October 22, 2013
Friends in Venice, plus the calles, bars and restaurants will all miss Patrick and his enthusiasm for this city.
Susan Chen
October 21, 2013
Patrick was a dear friend, a great poet and painter, and an incredibly intelligent man. I will play and sing
"Haunted Heart" for him always. It
was his favorite song.
I will miss him.
Jean Gaskill
October 20, 2013
So sad. He had much yet to do, painting, poetry, and 11-0 handball games. Love to Jane.
Lee Bender
October 19, 2013
A terrific human being, a wonderful artist, and loving guy!
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