The Obituary for Mark Allan Smith
It is with deep sorrow, yet profound celebration of life, that the Smith Family announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Mark Allan Smith.
After a brave battle with an aggressive cancer, Mark took his last breaths exactly how he intended --- in the arms of his eternal companion, and surrounded by his adoring children.
Mark leaves behind a legacy of true love and devotion to God, country, and family.
Mark was born in Long Beach, CA in 1945, son of Harold and Maxine, and younger brother to Lynn.
Mark learned his legendary work ethic from a young age. As young as eight years old, his father entrusted him with adult responsibilities and fostered a self-reliance which would serve him throughout his life. Whether working construction jobs, selling magazines, or working at the grocery store with Harold and Lynn, Mark believed in the nobility of any type of work.
After graduating from Garden Grove High School, he began his pursuit of a legal career, studying first at the University of California, Riverside and subsequently receiving a Bachelors of Science of Law and Juris Doctorate from Western State University College of Law.
A successful trial attorney specializing first in criminal law and, most significantly, in family and civil law, Mark won praise from his clients, peers, and opponents for his unrivaled preparation and dogged determination to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. He also served as a judge for the California Superior Court and, as a lobbyist, played a pivotal role in California’s landmark tax law, Proposition 13. He’d light up the most when he recalled his most cherished work completing dozens of pro-bono adoption placements.
Still, especially by his own estimation, his distinguished career always took a backseat to the real focus of his life -- his family.
Mark met his eternal companion and true soulmate, Artha Parra, on July 31, 1967. It was love at first sight, with Mark proposing to Artha at their first encounter. They were never apart again.
No man ever loved his wife more. No wife ever loved her husband more.
Through the birth and rearing of six children -- five sons and a daughter -- Mark and Artha were a “oneness,” consistently in accord and always devoted to each other. Nearly every day, Mark would call home and declare, “tell your mom I’m on my way!” The kids would then watch as their mother excitedly went to the driveway to welcome her husband home with a hug and a kiss. Their love is true and will be for eternity.
They celebrated two anniversaries each year -- the day they met and the day they were married. The family will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Mark was determined to show unconditional love and support for his children, and it showed in his daily life. Each morning, without fail, he knelt at the beds of each child and prayed for them individually. He regularly wrote them letters articulating his love for them and their mother. He attended every single event or activity for each of the children, never missing a single one, even if it meant heading back to the office to work past midnight.
He was proud of his children and never missed an opportunity to tell them as much.
In more difficult times, such as with the health struggles of several children, Mark was at his best. Totally unflappable, his compassionate but assertive nature literally rescued his children from death.
Quick with a hug and kiss, he showed an affection for his children which buoyed them throughout their lives and especially in his final days -- even at his weakest, just a look or hand squeeze from Dad let everyone know that he loved them and all would be well.
Mark embraced his role as spiritual leader of the family, never missing an opportunity to provide guidance and, when necessary, ministering. The spirit was rarely stronger than when Dad was giving you a priesthood blessing or bearing his pure testimony of Jesus Christ.
Mark and Artha’s oneness continued into retirement as doting grandparents to 7 granddaughters and 7 grandsons.
In addition to raising their own children, Mark and Artha opened their home to multiple other young adults who needed safety, love and guidance. Since his death, the family has been heartened by the outpouring of messages from those who Mark impacted in their most difficult times as youth.
Mark was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and fostered that love of Christ in his lifelong membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A member of bishoprics and stake presidencies, Mark’s wise counsel was called upon continually to assist those in need. Later, he memorialized much of his wisdom and knowledge when he published books on Faith, the Prophet Isaiah, and The Book of Mormon. Before his death he was engrossed in finishing a book on the U.S. Constitution; he considered our country’s founding document as scripture.
He also fulfilled a lifelong dream of serving a full-time mission, accompanied by Artha, in the Ohio, Kirtland mission. Still, perhaps his most cherished and impactful calling was as a longtime advisor to the Trabuco, CA Ward Deacons Quorum. When not with family or at work, Mark devoted every minute of spare time to revealing and developing the character of youth. He took a small measure of pride when his quorum of over 30 young men administered the sacrament to several thousand attendees of an area conference.
Mark’s faith in God and in His son, Jesus Christ was, and is, unwavering and, even in death, guides generations of family.
His family’s pain is lessened by that legacy and by the knowledge that, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, their beloved patriarch stands at the right hand of God along with his parents, brother, and most beautifully, his son, Luke Nathaniel. Artha longs for the day when she will join him to, as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, raise Luke from infancy to adulthood and rejoice in their reunion.
Memorial services will be held at the Trabuco Rd building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 12:00pm on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Afterwards, he will be laid to rest next to his beloved son, Luke Nathaniel, at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest, CA.
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