H. Clyde Smyth

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and longtime Santa Clarita Valley leader, Dr. Hamilton Clyde Smyth, 80, passed away on January 22, 2012 at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the family he loved and raised in Newhall.

Dr. Smyth dedicated his life to his family and the community of Santa Clarita. A life-long educator, he moved to Newhall in 1971 and served as the Superintendent of the William S. Hart Union High School District from 1975-1992. In that role, he transformed the landscape of education in our valley, ensuring our students receive the best public education in the State of California.

During his tenure as Superintendent, he also served as the Chairman of the Hospital Board, President of the SCV Boys and Girls Club, President of the Newhall Rotary Club, District Chair of the Boy Scouts of America, and Chairman of the Santa Clarita Health Care Association. Ultimately, in recognition of his sustained commitment to the people of our community, he was named SCV Man of the Year in 1992.

Upon his retirement from the school district

in 1992, Clyde's service to the community continued. Having presided over the inaugural City Council meeting and swearing in the original City Council members when the City of Santa Clarita incorporated in 1987, he decided he could best serve the community next as an elected official. He was elected to the City Council in 1994 and served until 1998, including a term as Mayor in 1997.

Dr. Smyth's dedication to service began early – with his enlistment in the US Army in 1951. Following service in Japan and a combat tour in Korea, he earned a commission in the US Army Reserves as a Medical Service Corps Officer, and ultimately retired as a Major in 1977.

Clyde's legacy of service lives on through his impact on our valley and through his family. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sue, his sons Lieutenant Colonel Colin Smyth, USAF and California State Assemblyman Cameron Smyth, his daughters-in-law Kathleen and Lena, and his 5 grandchildren (Sean, Andrew, Gavin, Rowan, and Kenley). He is also survived by his brother Tom and sister-in-law Jean Smyth of Mission Viejo.

Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Valencia at 11:00 am on January 28, 2012, and he will be interred in the Veteran's section of Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 Sierra Hwy, Newhall.

In lieu of flowers, the Smyth family requests donations be made in Dr. Smyth's name to one of the following organizations: The SCV Boys and Girls Club, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation or the William S. Hart Union High School District Scholarship fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Eternal Valley Memorial Park Mortuary, Newhall, CA.