Theodore Francis Smith

In the ninety-six years that Theodore F. Smith shared with us, he saw many great changes and historical events. He survived the great depression, and a world at war. He witnessed the prosperity of 1950’s America, and the turmoil of the 1960’s and 70’s. He “liked Ike”, saw an American walk on the Moon, mourned an assassinated president, and cheered when his team won the play offs.

Born in Phoenix, Arizona on March 12, 1918, Ted Smith moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was three years old. He, and his brother James, were raised by their parents in a small home on 70th Street in L.A. He attended Brett Hart Junior High, and later graduated from Fremont High School. Because of the effects of the Great Depression, Ted, like many in his generation, was forced to postpone any further education and seek employment instead. He eventually secured work in the restaurant business, initially with Manning’s Coffee House, and later with Du-Par’s Restaurants.

During this time, Ted met, and fell in love with, Grace Inama. They were eventually married on September 20, 1941. Less than one month later, Ted was drafted into the United States Army. He was, under the terms of his enlistment, to serve only one year. But, when war broke out in December, his enlistment was extended for the duration of the war.

For four years and one day, Ted served as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Air Corps. He was shipped to England, where he served with the 8th Air Force. In June, Ted as reassigned to the 9th Air Force, 71st Fighter Wing, an advance combat group. He waded ashore at Omaha Beach, and participated in the push through France into Germany.

When the war ended, Ted returned to Los Angeles, and his wife and family, who he had not seen in two years. He also returned to work for Du-Par’s Restaurant, a job that he would remain at for the next 60 years. In September 1958, Ted and Grace had their only child, a son named Mark.

In 1948, Ted was involved in opening the Studio City site of Du-Par’s Restaurant. This was a business where Ted would eventually become a “fixture” – although he worked at many of the Du-Par’s Restaurants, namely Thousand Oaks and the Farmer’s Market. Ted became so well known by his customers that he was even recognized while vacationing in Europe. Ted seldom missed a day on the job, leaving for work at 6am, five or six days, every week...rain or shine. He remained at the job until he was 82.

In his “golden years” Ted and Grace enjoyed their free time between their home in Studio City and a second home at Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, Ca. He loved to dine with good friends at different restaurants. Ted became a grandfather in 1995, with the birth of Amanda Claire Smith, and a great grandfather with the birth of Alejandra Campos to his step granddaughter Sonia Campos in 2010. In his declining years, he became an avid fan of Lakers Basketball and Dodger Baseball. He derived great enjoyment from watching the games, and could talk about them for hours.

Ted Smith’s life could be summed up in one word: Gentleman. There was never a kinder, more considerate man. He never had a harsh word for a fellow human being. He always tried to help others, and his advice was always on the mark. He was wise, in a very quiet, humble way. Ted enjoyed life, and he wanted those around him to enjoy life also.

Arrangements under the direction of Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary, Northridge, CA.