Obituary of Patrick L. Smith
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday in Aptos, for Patrick Smith who passed away peacefully at his Scotts Valley home this past Monday. Born August 18, 1941 to Philip J. Smith and Margaret B. Smith (nee Cathcart) in Garden Grove, California, he was 76 years old. Patrick graduated from Gardena High School in 1959. While Patrick was a man of many talents and successful in all of his endeavors, he most enjoyed and gained the greatest reward from his work in public service. He started his career in firefighting service at Buena Park California, and then moving to Santa Cruz and joining the first fire crew servicing the University of California campus at Santa Cruz. He also served with Soquel Volunteer Fire Department before it became a part of Central Fire Service. After retiring from the fire service, he spent some years in real estate in Santa Cruz county working for both Kendall and Potter and later with Monterey Bay Properties. In 1990 he and his wife Kathy moved to Sedona, Arizona for a couple of years to enjoy some R&R; beginning an early retirement. They hiked the Indian ruins and hills of Sedona, and savored the icy waters of Slide Rock, before moving to southern California to care for family members.
Before Patrick’s illness, he and Kathy were blessed to be able to spend much of each year in Mexico, becoming familiar with the wonderful countryside, the small towns and the lovely people.
We honor the spirit of this man; a genuine gentleman in the finest sense; leaving as his legacy the gift of love and integrity. He cherished his wife, family, and friends, and was a man of deep loyalty, care and compassion for the well-being of others. Patrick brought the lightness of laughter and the genuine presence of his love to all he met. His gift was the ability to take time with you, and give undivided attention, listening with his heart. Patrick’s great sense of humor has always been appreciated and added a special spark to all of his adventures. There was never a problem that couldn’t be resolved by a trip to the Crow’s Nest with his buddy Robin. Patrick will be remembered and missed by his wife of 33 years, Kathy, his daughter Sheri, his two sons; Creig and Alan; and his eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The mass will take place at Resurrection Catholic Church (7600 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA) on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Committal will be private. Any kind acts of charity can be made in his memory to Hospice of Santa Cruz County (940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA. 95066.) Please visit the Benito and Azzaro homepage to share your prayers and reflections with his family.
