Frederick H. Smith

Frederick H. Smith Fred Smith, 87, of Indian Wells, California, died on June 9, 2011. Born in 1923 to Herman and Irma Smith from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His family was proud and very ambitious Iowa farmers, musicians, and writers. Their "pioneer spirit" was most endearing to him and something he would aspire to in his own life. In high school Fred's love and natural championship talent for golf created a lifelong passion for playing, collecting, and telling its long and interesting history. He attended school at Marquette University, however WWII was still going strong, so in 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He became a B25 Pilot serving in Europe and by the end of the war had flown over 66 missions in Northern Italy. Those missions honored him with two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, six Air Medals and a Presidential Citation. When the war ended he headed back to Wisconsin and returned to school at the University of Wisconsin. In 1948, he married the "love of his life", Shirlee Hobelsberger. He then embarked on a 25-year career as an executive in the lumber business, sending them both on a journey of relocating to several cities across the United States, along the way, having their Son and making many acquaintances that were held very dear to them throughout their lives. In 1979 he retired from Weyerhaeuser in Tacoma, Washington and eventually moved full time to Palm Desert, CA. However, retirement was not for Fred. He spent the past 30 years as an entrepreneur and advocate for his sport of golf. Until the day he died he was an active owner of Classic Acoustical, he was the first President of the Golf Collectors Society, a longtime member of the Tacoma Golf & Country Club as well as 30-year USGA Museum Committee member. Later in life, Fred became web master for two military organizations: The Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal Society and so much more. He never stopped running businesses, visiting with friends, volunteering, learning the computer or collecting golf clubs. After the death of his wife in 2007, Fred moved to Pine Mountain, California to be closer to his family. Prior to his return to the Desert this past January, he spent those years embraced in mountain life; he witnessed the birth of his great-granddaughter, spent quality time with his kids and devoted cat "Punky", did some traveling, and managed to touch the hearts of numerous new "mountain" friends. Fred held fond memories of ALL his friends and accomplishments throughout his long and exciting life. His insight, devotion, ambition, class, wit and kindness reached coast to coast! He will truly be missed, especially by his close family. He is survived by son Mark Smith, sister Marilyn Rennebohm, brother Stuart Smith, granddaughter Shelly Silva, two great-granddaughters, Alena May and Marisol Silva, and two nieces. Preceded by his wife, Shirlee Smith - together forever. A private family service will be held. For those wishing to honor his memory, the family suggests donations to "Veterans of Valor" at www.veteransofvalor.org.