Bruce I. Smith
Sept. 11, 1924 to Sept. 1, 2011
Bruce Smith passed away peacefully with his wife Judy and his two daughters at his bedside.
Before being drafted, Smith was enrolled at Princeton University. Smith was a WWII prisoner of war veteran. He was awarded the Purple Heart along with other medals for his distinguished service to our country. After the war, Smith attented Stanford University’s class of 1949 and then went on to get his MBA in 1951.
Smith was recruited from Stanford by Ryerson Steel where he worked as an executive for 38 years, the last 10 in Chicago. After retiring, Smith and Judy returned to California and their dream city, Laguna Beach.
Retirement didn’t slow Smith in the least. He enjoyed reading, playing tennis, golf, traveling and was a YMCA fitness devotee. He gave tirelessly to his community, serving on the Three Arch Bay Association board and was an active organizer in the No Jets Project, so flight patterns wouldn’t affect the community’s tranquility or property values. He also was on the board of the YMCA.
Smith is survived by Judy Palmer Smith, the love of his life, who he was married to for 58 years; daughters Cynthia Smith Rovira and Juli Smith Berryhill; and his dear sister Janet. He will be missed by his three granddaughters and grandson, nieces, nephews and friends of all ages. He leaves behind lots of laughter and love, a true legacy to all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bruce I. Smith, which will be used to prevent and cure cardiovascular disease through discovery, education and clinical care, may be sent to: Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, 2700 Sand Hill Road, Menio Park, CA 94025.
Constance Morthland
1911-2011
Long time Laguna Beach resident Constance Morthland died peacefully at age 100 in Twin Falls, Ida., Sept. 18.
She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia Draper of Sun Valley, Ida., and Joan Hutchins of Oyster Bay, NY; a granddaughter, Georgia Bush; five grandsons, Christopher and Michael Hamer, Andrew Bush, Alan and Paul Hutchins; and four great grandsons.
All were at her graveside as she was laid to rest at Forest Lawn, Glendale, beside her beloved husband Andrew, who predeceased her in 1991, and near her parents, Maud and Douglas Gordon Grant. Father Colin Henderson officiated at the graveside services.
A memorial service in Laguna Beach will be held for her at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Park Avenue, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. High tea will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laguna Moulton Playhouse.
