After a long, full life of 94 years, Clarence "Smitty" Smith passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2010.

Clarence was born on March 27, 1916 in the township of Everett, Kan. He graduated from Battle Creek High School in Nebraska in 1935. He spent his early years in Nebraska and Washington State, eventually settling in Southern California.

It was there he met the lady who was to become his wife, Jewel. They were married in November of 1942 in North Hollywood. They were married 61 years. They adopted two children, daughter, Kathy, and son, Dennis. In the spring of 1959, the family moved from the San Fernando Valley to Lake Sherwood, Calif., where Clarence has made his home for the last 51 years.

Clarence was a lifelong student of metaphysics and an active practitioner in the field. He was a self-taught carpenter by trade and built fine custom homes, many of which are at Lake Sherwood. In 1959 he joined the California State Firefighters Association and became a life member. He served many years as a volunteer firefighter at station 33 in Lake Sherwood. He was a published author of a metaphysical book titled "Acorn to Infinity." His poetry was published in the Great American Poetry Anthology. He enjoyed painting in oils and produced many fine renderings of still life roses, among other subjects.

He and Jewel were long time members of the "Brougham RV Club" and enjoyed wonderful times of travel throughout the state with fellow members of the club.

Clarence is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jewel; two sisters, Florence Warner and Shirley Grimm; and two brothers, Clyde Smith and Richard Smith.

Clarence is survived by daughter, Kathy Shryack; his son, Dennis Smith; and two grandsons, Darel Smith and Darrick Smith. A special thank you and gratitude to caregivers Laura Ceballos, Ely Reyes and Ian Barte for the exceptional loving care they provided for Clarence in his home and kind support they provided to our family.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 101 East Wilbur Rd., Thousand Oaks. A viewing will be held one hour prior at the same location. The interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park in the San Fernando Hills. Friends and family are further invited to an informal celebration of Clarence's life following interment