Calvin Lee Smith, Jr., a talented designer, bon vivant, and 45-year resident of Laguna Beach, passed away June 24, 2016. The cause of death was lymphoma.
Cal was born in Los Angeles Oct. 10, 1949, to Evelyn Svendsen Smith and Calvin Lee Smith, Sr. He grew up in Pomona and attended California Polytechnic Pomona where he studied business. Smith worked throughout college for the university food service, rapidly advancing to supervisor level, having learned all phases of food preparation.
After graduation, he immediately moved to Laguna Beach and found work at Laguna Nursery. Self-taught in plant identification and garden design, Smith began work as an independent consultant for Laguna residents. His design instincts were extraordinary and soon his clients were asking for his help in interior as well as landscape design. Client demand led to the creation of his company, Calvin L. Smith and Associates, which has provided full service design for both commercial and residential clients.
Smith was full of life and energy, and he pursued varied interests with his many friends. He was a world traveler and especially loved Paris and New York, which he visited often. At home, he supported the arts, especially live theater. He had a particular interest in art and architecture and was happy to attend all the latest openings in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.
Smith was a wonderful cook. His parties were legendary. He loved and appreciated good food and wine and could quote entire menus from meals shared years before with fellow foodies. His generous spirit and impeccable taste resulted in meticulous preparation and artful presentation, whether entertaining for two or 200.
Smith is survived by his mother Evelyn; brother Phillip (Joann); sister Caroline; beloved cousin Janette Tovar (Gil); god children Sasha (Andy), Alex Tovar, Sebastian Tovar; nephews Joel Smith and Aaron Smith ( Nicky); grand nephew and niece Mason and Julia; and many other cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Calvin Lee Smith, Sr.
Cal was a talent extraordinaire that doesn’t come along very often. I worked for him on several huge Laguna landscape projects. His knowledge, confidence and sense of design were unmatched. Always a great attitude, fun to be around, and as anyone who knew him will tell you, he was unusually kind and gracious. SO surprised and sad to be informed of his early passing.
I am so sorry to read this sad news. I knew Cal professionally as a designer and he was a true gentleman. His knowledge of all things beautiful, his kindness and joie de vivre will always be remembered. Soar with the angels Cal.
Cal Smith was an extraordinary man, and irreplaceable.
Cal… was a generous extremely talented man. Gifted with everything he tried and a lot of people may not know but… he was a very talented Skier. I went Skiing with him once and I was blown away at this man’s ability. He had this inner strength that made him seem unafraid and very confident with his abilities. I think the world lost a great person ….a man with great integrity and morality. Every year as we all get older and another friend leaves this earth…it really makes you wonder how vulnerable we all really are. RIP Cal …..
I only learned today of Cal’s passing. He was such a good man and a talented designer. I loved working with him, his vision and sensibility was extraordinary. May he be resting in peace.
Cal Smith was an exceptional and visionary talent. He generously shared his gifts and time earned knowledge of architecture and design, landscape design, art and the culinary. I felt elevated to a higher level of performance and inspiration in his presence. His love of nature and beauty seemed to naturally flow from his spirit into his design. I felt honored to work with Cal and knew that the time spent together would be intense and lead to laughter. His physical strength and grace was impressive and it is no surprise he has professional dancers in his family. Two years after his passing, he is still missed.