Meredith Akey Smith

Surrounded by family, Meredith, at the age of 73, severed her earthly bonds and passed away on August 19, 2011, at home, in Bayside, CA. After a several month battle with cancer Meredith departed to begin the new adventure she had looked forward to for some weeks. Meredith was born October 9, 1937 in Gilroy, CA. The daughter of Donald K. Akey, and Ruth Creager Akey. Later moving to Oakland Meredith, an Honors student, attended local schools, graduating from Oakland Tech High School in 1956, and San Francisco State University in 1961. Marrying her childhood sweetheart after college graduation, Meredith moved with her husband Bruce Smith, and two children to Arcata, CA where they have resided for the past 43 years. Meredith was highly respected for the work she performed for Six Rivers Nat'l Forest for nearly thirty years. She enjoyed serving in several capacities during her career. Working in timber, special uses, lands, and resources areas, among others. Meredith helped to edit the Six Rivers National Forest Plan, and was involved in the newly developing Smith River National Recreation Area. Meredith was sometimes called to the Regional Office in San Francisco, and Washington, to share her considerable knowledge. Her skills in Latin were also a bonus to some of the scientific departments within the organization. Meredith had many friends across the country from her association with Forest Service personnel. After her retirement Meredith and her husband developed a keen interest in Genealogy, as they both descended from Ancestors from Plymouth Colony, Mass. For about twelve years in retirement they traveled across the country, having a great time doing genealogical research. Meredith became a skilled researcher and taught classes of Genealogy, more recently through the Humboldt State University's "O.L.L.I." senior learning program. Meredith was predeceased by her parents and elder brother Norm Akey. Meredith is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bruce M. Smith, of Bayside, CA; son Kenneth E. Smith (Ahn); daughter April K. Smith, of Thornton, NH, grandchildren; Samuel Smith, Justin Smith, Jordan Smith & Emily Smith; a sister Suzanne Schwenke, of Las Cruces, NM; brother Warren Akey (Mary), of Lincoln, CA; sister-in-laws Anne Akey, of Virginia Beach VA, and Frances H Carpenter, of San Pablo, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. The world lost a special woman with the departure of Meredith; she was strong, brave, loving, and a giving person, always doing good and helping people when she could. Meredith was loved by all who knew her. Meredith's parting thoughts were as recorded: "The Last Chapter. This last chapter of my life has been a powerful reminder that love is the most important element of life and a positive attitude the best approach. The Unconditional love, support, and care from my family - spouse, children, grand-children, siblings, and in-laws-has brought us all together in tears and laughter and I believe, taught us all- from seven to eighty two, - new lessons or reminded us of those that had dimmed in our memories. The love and support from countless others --- medical staff everywhere, those who serve us at our favorite restaurants and the businesses we use, friends and acquaintances, friends of the family and friends - has been amazing. Thank you all. I LOVE YOU"./s/ Meredith A Smith 5 Aug 2011, at home in Bayside. Meredith, and our family, would like to recognize and especially thank Dr. Joe Carroll, Dr. Luther Cobb, Dr.Uma Suryadevara, Dr. Michael Fratkin, Stanford University Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital of Eureka, Elsie Andrew's, RN, Eureka Internal Medicine Group, Nurses Sharon, Marci, Jane & Nanette, Dr. Bruce Kessler, Sue Wilson, Hospice of Humboldt, Candace, Karen, Nita, and Robert, and many other medical personnel of these groups... for the extra loving care and thoughtful guidance shared with us on this long and heartfelt journey. Celebration of life plans pending. Memorial donations in memory of Meredith may be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 2010 Myrtle Ave, Eureka, CA 95501, Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Rd, Bayside, CA. 95524, or to your favorite charity. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.