My first encounter with Carter was at Jim and Shari's wedding. We enjoyed many pretty intense games of hearts.  The fun was serious business for him as it was for Sharii's dad. I knew then  that our families had another thing in common. 

Fill the empty place with greatful memories, Jim. It won't make the hole disappear, but it will help.

Carter Smart, 73, beloved father, brother, and grandfather, died August 5th, 2012 in La Jolla of lung disease. 

Carter Ellis Smart was born January 30, 1939 in Dallas, Texas. He was the eldest son of Richard and Margaret Smart of Hermosa Beach and was graduated from Mira Costa High School in 1956.

He attended college at UCLA and Calif. State University, San Jose before graduating from Calif. State University, Long Beach in 1962.

A lifelong ocean enthusiast, Smart enjoyed surfing, SCUBA diving, and paddle board racing, and participated in one of the first Catalina-to-Manhattan Beach races. He briefly joined the Coast Guard before beginning a long career with the LA County Lifeguards. 

He married Jaqueline Voss in 1962. His only son, James, was born in 1964. 

Smart was a teacher for many years at Malaga Cove in Palos Verdes and he later married Carol Walton in 1975 and moved to Bellingham, Washington, where he owned and operated a boat store, the Eddystone Light. He moved to San Diego in 1985, where he married Charleen Smart, who died in 2004. 

In San Diego, he was an active member of the radio control model sailboat club, the "Argonauts."

Smart is survived by his brother, James Smart of Joshua Tree, and his son, James Smart, of Honolulu, as well as his three grandchildren Jack, Jay, and Sierra Smart, and his nephews Matthew and John Smart. 

A memorial will be held in the South Bay on December 29, 2012. His ashes will be scattered at sea off of Hermosa Beach, and a simple gathering will be held to share photos and stories, and to celebrate his life. Details coming later.

Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home

Carter Smart

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Carter Smart

January 30, 1939 – August 5, 2012

Beardsley-Mitchell Funeral Home

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