William Bernard Smith

Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Katherine, also known as Kib a nickname given to her by her mother as a baby. Bill and Kib are the parents of two children; a daughter Sandra Ann Mills and son Steven Allen Smith, MD. Grandchildren, Lauren Mills and Ryan Smith, son-in-law George Mills and daughter-in-law Sandra. All very much loved.

Bill was born in Long Beach and attended schools from kindergarten through Long Beach City College when he was drafted into the army at age nineteen to serve during final days of WWII. Bill enrolled back into LBCC and was president of the Junior Exchange Club. After graduation he enrolled in CSULB and gave aviation lessons at the Haskill Flying Service while in school and took what was to be future wife flying, she even flew with him in an open bi-wing with a parachute strapped on. Bill was instructor, multi engine, commercial and instrument rated pilot. They married on Valentines Day in 1952 at the First Baptist Church in Long Beach.

Bill opened a business in 1951 that he and his father enjoyed successfully for many years. Next, Bill went in to income property ownership for the next forty-some years and built a home on Rivo Alto Canal that they enjoyed for 20 years.

Bill was the Deputy Harbor Master for the 1984 Olympics.

Bill and his wife sailed and raced their Lido 14 and sailed to Catalina their 36 Pearson Pilot House sail boat for many years when their children were growing up and later the two lifelong partners, Bill and Kib, continued sailing and traveling.

Bill and his son, Steve, found the same airplane that Bill and his father had flown in the 1950's, together they restored the same Stinson plane and son, Steve is flying it today. The Stinson airplane has made many trips across the United States with Bill, son Steve, his son Ryan make it a four generation Smith project.

Bill has been the true wind under the wings of his family. We know he and the Lord are still our pilots.