Robert Glenn Smith: Former Business Owner in Southern Humboldt Passes Away
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Robert “smitty” G Smith was born October 31, 1932 and passed away November 7, 2016. Born in Turlock, Ca and raised in Stockton, Ca. Bob at a young age sat on a street corner shining shoes and also had a local paper route. He later went on to attend college where he played football and worked as a produce manager. In 1951 Bob joined the Navy and served in the Korean War.
September 20, 1952 Bob married Marlene Tressler. Bob and Marlene moved to Brentwood, Ca in 1957 where his 3 children were born. Through the years he owned two grocery stores and numerous bars and restaurants.
He and his wife then moved to Garberville, Ca. Upon moving in 1981 he purchased Kash Market and later Benbow Valley Restaurant. In the year 1986 Bob purchased land and built Garberville Market which most locals know as Sentry.
Bob was very passionate about giving back to numerous schools and the community. Donations such as the announcers booth at South Fork High and many other contributions that flew under the radar, per his humble nature.
In 2003 he sold Sentry Market and moved to Redding, Ca to pursue another business endeavor. Although Bob had moved his heart always remained in Garberville.
Bob is preceded in death by his father Orlin B Smith and mother Dorothy Hagan. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Marlene Smith, his three children Melinda Smith, Julie Pardoski and Greg Smith. Grandchildren Nicole Parker, Krystina Pardoski and Gregory Smith Jr. Great-grandchild Hunter Robert Cardoza. Brother Bruce Smith wife Karen, cousin Jimmy Poe wife Bobbie.
Bob was know by all as a true gentleman, wonderful boss, valued community and a great man. He was know by his family as being a selfless man, a loving husband and father who taught valuable lessons, respect and shared endless love.
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Indeed a gret father and business man the ideal role model & the standard of how i judged other men ! They didnt come any better
My life without him will never be the same!!
Beautiful Greg! Just keep doing what he taught you to do throughout your life and these words will come back to you!
Amimissingsomething u need to know what greg ur replying to this isnt jr u r missing something youre name
A celebration of Bobs life will be held in Shelter Cove at a later date. Details to follow
I met him first at the “Bigfoot Market” on the north end of Garberville. He was always a pleasant man to deal with. R.I.P. Bob
Condolences to the family.my grandfather took me to that store.R.I.P
My condolences to Marlene and the rest of his family. Bob was the best “Boss” I’ve ever had. When I worked at Sentry he gave me a chance to pursue my dream of baking. I went from a cashier to the bakery and finally had a job that didn’t feel like a job. He was always there in the store as soon as the pastries and donuts were out. A good man who treated everyone equally. There are too many other instances of his good nature and love of his town. He will be missed.
Rip Bob.
I’ve known bob personally since he moved here. My mother worked for him at Kash market. I was his refrigeration contractor and service tech while he was in Garberville. I was the refrigeration contractor that installed all the refrigeration systems at what is now known as Ray’s. He had faith in me and insisted that I be his contractor. I feel that he got a far better system than was specified. We had to correct many engineering mistakes, because the statistics for Garberville weather in the weather tables is wrong. It is far hotter here than it states. I will be forever grateful to Bob for giving me the opportunity for a great, and learning, experience.
Anybody that knew Bob would remember his great sense of humor and his group of cronies that hung out together. I could tell humorous stories about them for hours. Plus, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that he was a member of the Garberville Rotary Club. He and Roy Heider put together our most successful fundraiser the year that I was president. We raffled off an s-10 pick up.
He will be missed. My condolences to Julie, Greg, and Melinda, and all Bob’s friends and family.
I am very sad to hear this. Bob was one of the many great folks in our community. He was selfless with his time and was always lending a hand. We have lost most of the “ole sage” pillars in our community. Things will never again be what they were. Memories to be cherished! To the family, please know we are thinking of you all.
I got to know Bob when I worked with Roy Hieder on his run for supervisor. Bob was Roy’s good friend and supporter. Mr. Smith was one of the old gang that carried the town in the days between the two lane 101 timber economy and modern so hum. He was a stand up guy. Condolences to his friends and family.
Sounds like he accomplished much in his life. Nice to read about his time in Garberville. I wish the area could still benefit from such as he. Rip Robert Glenn Smith.
I’m sad to hear about Bob, I worked for Bob at Kash Market, he was so easy going & a good boss. My condolences for Marlene, Greg, Julie, & Melinda.
Even thought Bob was the owner of Sentry Market, you would see him bagging groceries, sweeping the floor and doing menial work, and He was the owner ! !
Now that is pure humbleness of spirit. God bless Bob.