3-7-60 to 3-9-13
Rob went home to be with the lord on March 9, 2013 after a long, arduous fight. He is finally free from pain. Rob suffered many years with severe back pain and it was extremely difficult to see him live this way.
Rob was a loving and caring person. He would go the extra mile out of his way to help someone out. Those who knew him knew this. Rob was a very special person; the world would be a much better place if there were more people like him. He always did the right thing; he was selfless and giving of his heart, time, energy, advice and money. He was the oldest of four brothers and his best role in life was that of big brother. He had a heart of gold and was kind, resilient, loyal, fun, hardworking, humorous, and devoted to his family and friends. He is going to be very deeply missed by all who knew him.
Rob was born and raised in Santa Barbara and lived in Santa Maria for many years. He graduated from Dos Pueblos High School in 1978. He was a local business owner of two businesses: R.W. Smith Construction and Ironcad, Ltd.
Rob lived a good, hard life. Rob enjoyed working on and fixing things –cars, motorcycles, boats, houses, you name it …. he enjoyed working on it.
He loved the great outdoors, riding his Harleys, camping, fishing, hunting, scuba diving, gardening, helping others, and his ’64 Chevy Impala.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Karen, son Daniel, mother, Patty Gruber (Dick), father Ron Smith (Donna), brothers Ken (Linda), Mike (Kelly), James (Kelly), nieces and nephews Loren (Ashley), Lindsey, Amanda, Kyle, Tegan, Hayley, and Mitchell, aunts, uncles, cousins, his many friends, and his dog Lady, who especially misses him as she was his daily companion.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Luis Oasis Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave, in old town Orcutt. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Mission of Hope Cancer Center in Santa Maria can be made.
The family wishes to thank the Santa Barbara County Fire Department Station 22, Paramedics and EMTs, and the Marian medical staff for providing the best possible care at the end of his journey.
