Duane Reginald Smith

Duane R. Smith, age 94, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the Gardens at Northridge, an assisted living facility in Northridge, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lois J. Smith who passed away on April 30, 2017.

Duane was born December 9, 1930, in Barre, NY to the late Bert and Florence (Baker) Smith. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo, NY. He worked for several companies in engineering positions for 42 years and retired from the LA Harbor Department in September 1993.

As an avid reader Duane favored historical fiction and non-fiction, spy fiction and crime fiction. He had a variety of pets including dogs, cats, tortoises, aquarium fish and birds. His children had the privilege of witnessing the birth of several litters of puppies and even the hatching of desert tortoises. When his children were young (before there were too many animals), he took the family on several camping trips and visited several national parks. He was actively involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Duane was an advanced woodworker crafting rocking horses for his grandchildren, a large hutch and several other projects. He was a self-taught handyman taking on automotive repairs, general household repairs and installing tile flooring. He enjoyed working on jigsaw puzzles in retirement.

Surviving are his loving children, Alan (Kathleen) Smith of Michigan, and Brenda (Michael) Smith of California; four grandchildren, Weston, Aubrey and Kiersten Smith, all of Michigan, and Canaan Smith of California; one great grandchild Ryder Smith of Michigan; along with nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Elwin Smith, late Bert Smith Jr. and late Norma Smith.