Russell Gordon Smith, Jr., 88 died peacefully with his wife at his side in Newport Beach, CA on November 6, 2009. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.
He lived his life on a broad canvas. He was a horseman, rancher, student of California history, military officer, sportsman, real estate broker, bank director, pilot, writer, Mercedes-Benz enthusiast, raconteur extraordinaire, and voracious reader.
Born in San Francisco on February 18, 1921, the eldest son of Russell Gordon and Gladys Schulte Smith, he spent his youth in Ross, CA, where he formed friendships that lasted his lifetime. He attended Dartmouth College, class of ’43. He served in the US Army during WWII, attaining the rank of Captain. His ranching career started in San Benito County but extended throughout California and Nevada. He spent the last 33 years of his life in Napa as a ranch real estate broker.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marie; his five children, Russell Smith III (Sherri), Ward Smith, Robin Sisemore (Ray), Angela DeBassio (Dan), and Aimee Boyles (Jeff); his twelve grandchildren, Russell Smith IV (Russ III), Fay, Parker and Allison Smith (Ward), Brian, Bridget (Jason Engh) and Beau Sisemore (Robin), Daniel, William and Marisa DeBassio (Angela), and Braeden and Ryan Boyles (Aimee); his sister Marjorie Manwaring of Marin County, CA and his brother Douglas Smith of New Hampshire, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of his life will be held on December 19th in Marin County. For information, please provide the family with your contact information at
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