Harry C. Smith

HARRY C. SMITH Truly a renaissance man. Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1942, and served as a Naval Officer in World War II, first as a gunnery officer on a destroyer, then as a night fighter pilot off carriers in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. He was highly decorated and often spoke about his days in the Navy, and was very proud to have served his country. Prior to his military career, Harry graduated from San Bernardino High School and San Bernardino Valley College. He was employed as an Engineer by General Electric in New York for a brief period after his discharge from the Navy. He returned to San Bernardino and joined his father in the retail business (Gurr Smith Furniture and Western Sales). He continued his education and received a Master's degree from the University of Redlands, while he was also a general contractor, and built several buildings in San Bernardino and Orange County. During his college days, he was a musician in local bands and played tenor sax. He had a passion for surfing and sailing, and taught sailing classes at Valley College, and would take students on sailing trips to Catalina. He also loved to work with iron, and created sculptures and fences that are seen throughout the City. He enjoyed working on cars and trucks as a mechanic. As Dean of Vocational Ed, he enjoyed working with faculty and students at the College, and while creating and developing vocational programs, not only on the campus but throughout California. He served on several boards and service clubs in the city and in the state. Surviving family members are: his wife, Judith Valles; brother, Dr. George Smith; daughters, Lizanne Keays, Edie Bradbury Hensley and Naomi Renella; son, Chad Bradbury; grandchildren, Cristine Clotfelder, Lisa Keays, Kathleen Keays- Homer, Lorin Cummings, Nicole Renella, Gianna Renella, Carmen Renella, Shannon Bradbury, Chad and Alan Bradbury. There are two great grandchildren. Services will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at 10 A.M. at Mt. View Memorial Chapel. Please visit: www.mtview sanbernardino.com to offer condolences.