Mr. Harold Ralph Smith

Harold Ralph Smith passed away on Monday, May 12, 2014. He was the ripe old age of 91. He was a resident of Mutual 17, in Leisure World. Harold was born on December 20, 1922 in the Village of Prior Lake, Minnesota. His parents were Alfred E. Smith and Ida Borchardt Smith. Harold attended school in Prior Lake and graduated from Shakopee High School in 1940. He joined the U.S. Navy in January 1943 and served as a carpenter’s mate in the Pacific, during WWII. After an honorable discharge on January in 1946, Harold moved to California in 1948 to join his older brother Earl, who was also served in the Navy. It was there he met and married the love of his life; Margaret Armendariz. After a short stint as a mail carrier for the USPS, Harold worked as an instrument technician at the Union Oil Refinery in Long Beach. He was also an owner/manager of two apartments in Signal Hill. He retired in 1982 and led a long, happy, and active life. He enjoyed golf, exercising, keeping fit, and travel. He made many trips to Hawaii, to visit his son and family. The highpoint of his travels was his visit to Israel with Margaret in 1985. Harold was very much involved in the Leisure World Community, where he resided for 27 years; serving a term as Building Captain for Mutual 17. He was instrumental in the research, planning, and implementation of the Fun and Fitness Club, at Leisure World, and served as a volunteer instructor. Harold was always helpful and willing to assist when called on. He put in countless hours volunteering to help with minor repairs and maintenance issues for his neighbors. Harold attended First Lutheran Church in Long Beach in 1948 and remained there for 66 years. Harold’s love and faith in Jesus Christ was his driving force, and it was evident in his daily life. He is survived by his wife Margaret Armendariz Smith, his son Gordon R. Smith, grandsons Wyatt Santoki-Smith, Noah Santoki-Smith, and Andrew Santoki-Gray, granddaughter Carolina Carreira, great-grandchildren Grayson Carreira and Kayleelyn Carreira, his older brother Earl (Pete) Smith, and many nephews and nieces. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of this exceptional man will be held on Saturday June 21, 2014, at 11:00am, at First Lutheran Church, 905 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, California. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Stricklin/Snively Mortuary.