Richard Neal Smith

He was born in Girard, Kansas, on June 24, 1934, to Seth Stanley Smith and Darlene Smith.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1979 after 22 years of service as a Major. He performed many tours at bases around the world, then retired from McClellan Air Force Base in California, where he served as a Compute Systems Development Officer. Richard earned his bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in 1967. Richard never married, but he lived a full and adventurous life filled with travel, family, friendships, and many interests. He especially loved fishing and spent many summers camping and fishing in Canada and Alaska with his mother and his niece, Linda Harris, who is a resident of Alaska. A talented and creative man, Richard enjoyed knitting and even taught knitting classes in Sacramento. He specialized in knitting ski clothing, combining his creativity with his love of winter sports. He and his mother spent many winters skiing together. His mother began skiing at the age of 65, and Richard, an expert skier, shared many memorable days on the slopes with her. Richard also had a deep appreciation for fine wine and became an expert and connoisseur of wines and wineries from around the world. His love of travel gave him the opportunity to explore many places and experience the cultures, landscapes, and wines that he so greatly enjoyed.

Richard will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his many talents and interests, his love of the outdoors, and the special memories he created with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Seth Stanley Smith, who passed away November 17, 1985, and Darlene Smith Reed, who passed away June 4, 2005; and his sisters, Elain Thompson Locke, who passed away September 1, 2021, and Marilyn L. McDonald, who passed away October 19, 2016.

Richard’s life was one of service, adventure, learning, creativity, and a love for the world around him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.