Daniel George Smith

Daniel George Smith was born on May 18, 1948, near Vallejo, CA and sadly his heart stopped beating at his home on December 5, 2021, after watching his favorite football team on TV.

His parents were Elizabeth Alice Novak and William Howard Smith. He attended Moreland Notre Dame elementary school in Watsonville, Mora Central High School in Watsonville, Cabrillo College in Aptos, and Sacramento State College where he received his B.A. in Social Science. His favorite activities were watching basketball and football, and listening to music, especially if it was live. He loved going with his friends to musical concerts in Santa Cruz and up in San Francisco. His first date with his wife Wendy was a concert in the park at Sacramento State College. Daniel was devoted to the Golden State Warriors basketball team and was thrilled when he got to see them play live. Daniel worked as an Agricultural Inspector first in Nogales, Arizona, and then with the State of California at the Salinas Office, eventually becoming the manager. Sadly, Daniel developed early onset dementia in his early fifties and retired from the State of California.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years Wendy Aline Smith, his daughter Megan O'Neil Smith, his sisters Helen, Joyce, brother Rick (Wendy), and sister-in-law Roberta and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother Bill.

Daniel enjoyed going with his daughter Megan up on the top of the train at Harvey West Park in Santa Cruz, or climbing to the top of a high slide, or going through a maze, or visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium every other week.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, August 14th between 11:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Pajaro Village Clubhouse, 739 Bronte Ave, Watsonville, CA. A light lunch will be served. His ashes will be scattered afterword near Natural Bridges. Gathering at 3:30 pm at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor, 789 Mariner Park Way Santa Cruz Dock F. We will board a charter boat provided by Stagnaro Bros. The cruise will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.

Published in The Pajaronian · August 11, 2022