Robert Sanford Smith

Robert Sanford Smith, 90, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 26, 1936, he lived a full and accomplished life marked by deep devotion to family and country, professional excellence, a love for the outdoors and sports, and a quiet but steadfast patriotism.

In October 1953, Robert enlisted in the US Air Force. He received an honorable discharge in April 1954, after a four-month hospitalization. Although his service was abbreviated due to unforeseen circumstances, he always held the military and its meaning to him in high regard.

Robert went on to become a licensed California Land Surveyor (License No. 3706) and enjoyed a distinguished thirty-eight-year career in land surveying and civil engineering with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. His roles spanned from Rear Chainman to Assistant Deputy Director of Public Works. He became the first surveyor to serve as Head of Survey — a position previously held only by degreed civil engineers — reflecting both his expertise and the respect he earned throughout the county. His technical mastery led to frequent service as an expert witness in court proceedings.

Among his favorite projects were the construction of Kanan / Kanan Dume Road (including the Malibu Tunnels) in the Santa Monica Mountains. He also took immense pride in his work on Lake Hughes and Hasley Canyon Roads surrounding Castaic Dam. Over the decades, he helped design and build roads, water management systems, and critical flood control infrastructure that protected communities and saved lives throughout the county.

Before beginning his county career, Robert spent several years as a park director for Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, a job he loved, especially because he could bring his children along. On weekends, he performed private surveying work, with his wife Yolanda assisting in research and the children serving as his survey crew. He was deeply committed to educating his children and providing them with the collegiate opportunities he himself had longed for.

Robert was an avid deep-sea fisherman who especially enjoyed pursuing bluefin tuna, albacore, and billfish. An enthusiastic sports fan, he loved UCLA and USC football. In his youth, he excelled in springboard diving, swimming, and basketball, but football was always his favorite sport. During retirement, he cherished his coffee conversations with former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden — moments he treasured deeply.

Above all, Robert was a devoted family man. He never hesitated to comfort and support his wife and children in times of need. His strength and love were rooted in his Catholic Christian faith, leaving a lasting impact on everyone around him. Like Peter in the Bible, he carried a few old habits with him, reminders of his humanity and charm.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Yolanda; his six children: Jeffery, Gregory, Christopher, Maria, Edward Tobias, and Theodore; daughters-in-law: Mona and Lise Lotte; son-in-law, Edward Field; and seven grandchildren: Sarah, Julia, Samantha Rose, Samuel, Parker, Klara, and Katherine, who will proudly carry his memory forward.

A memorial service with Military honors will begin promptly at 12:00 pm, Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Robert’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse or The Salvation Army.

Robert’s legacy of hard work, faith, family devotion, and zest for life will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.