Daniel Austin Smith

In the early morning hours of Saturday, August 15, 2015, Daniel Austin Smith died at the time of his choosing in his residence in Northridge, California. Daniel was 32 years old, a mere 40 days before his next birthday.

Daniel was born on Thursday, September 23, 1982 at the Tarzana Medical Center in Tarzana, California. He was welcomed into the world by his mother, Virginia Lee Smith-Schonfeld, his father, Mark Harris Smith, and his sister, Melissa Rae Smith, in that order.

Daniel was a typical “normal” infant. But before his first birthday, he was struck down by a grave medical affliction. He bravely battled and pulled through, coming home with us again as the exceptional and special Daniel we all know. Some might say, or have said, that Daniel was different after his illness. In truth, while the child in us dies as we grow older, Daniel’s medical battle ensured the child in him never died.

Daniel lived the entirety of his life here in the San Fernando Valley. Daniel attended and graduated from Kennedy High School. The majority of his employment in customer service was here in the San Fernando Valley. Most of his daily travels were here across the length and width of this valley. He was seen by many and known by the fortunate few. To know Daniel was to know he gave friendship without question, loved unconditionally, smiled and laughed uncontrollably and made you feel special sharing that moment in life.

In the early months of 2015, Daniel had begun an intense period of self-discovery, self-improvement and self-growth. It began with a painfully brutal and honest self-evaluation which resulted in Daniel redefining his life goals. He became an aspiring Buddhist and was actively attempting to integrate Buddhist philosophy into his life. He had committed himself to a lifelong relationship with his girlfriend, Donaya Buranintu, and was using their relationship as the foundation for his future planning. He had identified the schooling he was going to need to pursue as career as a counselor in a Child Grief Center. It was an excellent choice for him since he had a natural ability to interact and communicate easily with younger children.

Daniel is survived by his mother and step father, Virginia Lee Schonfeld and Mitchell Schonfeld of Granada Hills, CA, his father, Mark Harris Smith of Van Nuys, CA, and his sister, Melissa Rae Smith of Moorpark, CA. He is also survived by both of his grandmothers, Agnes Madden of Northridge, CA (mother of Virginia) and Eleanor Ruth Smith of Van Nuys, CA (mother of Mark). There are numerous surviving relatives in the Smith, Madden, Schonfeld and Rinehart clans. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Donaya Buranintu, of Northridge, CA. Lastly, Daniel is survived by his most favorite relative, his niece, Aubrianna Zöe Graham (daughter of Melissa).

Daniel is predeceased by both of his grandfathers, Harry Louis Smith, who died on June 17, 2001 (husband of Eleanor) and Billy Dale Madden, who died December 30, 2011 (husband of Agnes).

Services and interment for Daniel will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Rose Garden at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park at 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606. Following the service, there will be a memorial celebration for Daniel beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the Banquet Room at Victorio’s Ristorante at 10901 Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood, California 91606. Floral arrangements and visitation hours for Daniel in the Rose Garden at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park is seven days a week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Funeral arrangement and information is being provided by Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary at 6909 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303, 818-348-3354.

“There no point in being grown up if you can’t be childish” – Dr. Who