Steven Russell Smith
Obituary
Steven was the eldest child of Russell and Florence Smith. He grew up on the family's ranch on Lytton Springs Rd., and attended school in Healdsburg, graduating from Healdsburg High School in 1966, where he was active in sports especially cross country and basketball. He graduated SRJC, and Sonoma State University where he latter taught Native American Studies after getting his masters at U.C. Berkeley.
Eventually he went on to became Director of Human Resources for, respectively, Butte County, Mendocino County and the Marin County Water District. Steve then served for 20 years as the Director of Human Resources for Dry Creek Rancheria and River Rock Casino. Steve is missed by his huge family, friends and co-workers. He was a man who lived his values, enjoyed a good game of tennis, respected his heritage and made a real difference to many.
Published in Healdsburg Tribune · June 16, 2026