Leland G. Smith: Well-Known Southern Humboldt Man Passes Away

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Leland Smith

1920-2016

Leland G. Smith born September 12, 1920 of Miranda, Ca. passed away in Oregon on Nov.7 2016. He was a valued member of your community.

Leland G. Smith and wife

Gladys and Leland

Hero of the Second World War, Leland was in charge of the famed Hickam Field in Hawaii. It was the only airfield to get two planes in the air to mount the defense. It’s also where he met Gladys Hope Vaghn who became his beautiful bride on Aug. 23rd 1945.

He helped build many of America’s ( and the world’s) greatest mega-structures i.e. hydroelectric dams power plants, etc. including Kashmir Pass hydro dam in Pakistan. At age 12, Leland and a friend introduced the microwave oven to world at the 1932 World’s Fair in San Francisco. He introduced several of Humboldt Co.’s citizens and charity groups to HAMM radio operators. In the aftermath of the 1980’s earthquake grandpa used his HAMM radio tower to locate members of many local families who were in the city.

His family have resided in Miranda since 1839; they were the Logan family. His Aunt Janie Logan founded the first post office, and named the town for a grandmother. Many local and American dignitaries hail from his family line. He is survived by his wife Gladys, sons Philip and wife Rhonda their children and grandchildren in Oregon, son Doug Smith and his children Jennifer Martin, Jessica and Tim Tietz and David Smith, grandchildren Kira and Morgan Martin, Mariah Willis and Timmy Tietz and his adopted brother, Richard Smith of Chico. He is preceded in death by his parents Doug and Helen Smith, his son Bobby, sister Joy, grandson in- law Brian Martin and his sons Doug’s late wife Bertie Jean.

He was my hero and I miss him terribly. A strong, brilliant honorable man who taught his family values and sometimes hard lessons about life and ethics. There will be a memorial at Stevens Hall in Miranda in the coming weeks. Contact Doug Smith at 707-223-3930 for more info.

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Ernie Branscomb
Guest
7 years ago

My condolences to the family. “Smitty” as I knew him was one of my most admired people. He was very intelligent and also wise. I miss our visits when he came to town. With his deep roots and mine we are surely related somewhere in this South Fork canyon. We have lost a great history resource. So long old friend, and fare thee well.

Mogtx
Guest
7 years ago

RiP condolences to the family .

G-ma
Guest
G-ma
7 years ago

So many great and wonderful people live here,and lived here.my condolences to the family.god bless

Dang
Guest
Dang
7 years ago

RIP ‘Smitty’, W6CLG, W6CuteLittleGirls…My condolences to the family, Smitty was one of the best and I’m honored to have known him. He’s a ‘silent key’ now…

Dan, WD6AOJ

Nancy Peregrine
Guest
Nancy Peregrine
7 years ago

My condolences to the Smith family….Smitty was one of the people who introduced me to HAM radio many years ago, when we used to meet monthly in the old barn Ken Reynoldson owned at the location of the current Cedar St. Senior Housing.
Nancy Peregrine KB6LAD

Crime stopper
Guest
Crime stopper
7 years ago

God Bless Leland’s family at this time of loss. As a Veteran, be sure to contact the local Garberville VFW for military services and honors for Leland. Thank you for serving your Country honorably and faithfully.

jennifer martin
Guest
jennifer martin
7 years ago

Thanks to all of you for remembering my grandfather here…

Shirley Vaughn
Guest
Shirley Vaughn
5 years ago

Jennifer, thanks for posting this. I am one of your grandparents’ nieces from the Vaughn side of the family. My dad was Gladys’ younger brother. My dad passed in August 2009 and after Gladys and Leland moved to Oregon we lost track of them. Miraculously a cousin, the daughter of Gladys’ older brother, came across this article. I’m sorry for your loss of your grandfather. We often met him when their visits to KY crossed ours. In the summer of 1966 our family to a long road trip to the west coast and spent a week at your grandparents’ home in Visalia. Your dad and Phil were teenagers and we all enjoyed a great visit and had a lot of fun swimming in their backyard pool. I hope you will be alerted to this message so you will see it. If you do, please tell your dad hi from his Vaughn cousins.

Jennifer
Guest
Jennifer
1 year ago
Reply to  Shirley Vaughn

Hello cousin. I only just now read this. I’ve since moved to Arkansas, and grandmother past away just in the past couple months. Father has dementia and we rarely speak now.

vickie
Guest
vickie
1 year ago
Reply to  Jennifer

jennifer who told you your dad had dementia and we would luv to talk to u

Judy Rosanno
Guest
Judy Rosanno
2 months ago
Reply to  Jennifer

Hi, Jennifer. I am Judy, Shirley’s younger sister. I want you to know that I hated that our family lost track of yours. With distance, it is so hard to keep track of our extended family members. I remember your grandfather. He was quiet whenever we saw him, so I did not know him well. I do remember how much your grandmother loved him. It was clear whenever I saw them together. She was a bright light in my life. She was always kind hearted, full of energy, and demonstrated what it means to “see the work”. You didn’t need to ask her for help at my grandmother’s house. She was always on top of getting done whatever needed to be done. Mostly though, I remember her as a fun person to be around.
The last time I had the honor of spending time with her was at her mother’s funeral in Kentucky. I believe that was in 1992, though I could be wrong. Anyway, I asked her for a doll that my Grandma made to keep as a remembrance. My sister, Carolyn (who passed in 2009), later told me that Grandma had specifically made that doll for Aunt Gladys and was surprised that I had it. But, that was the kind of person that she was. I’m sure that she had several items from her mother that meant a lot to her, so she didn’t even mention it to me that Grandma always intended for that particular doll to be hers. I’m sure she would have treasured it as I have, but didn’t hesitate to share. It is on my heart that I should now pass it along to you. Look for me on Facebook as Judy Vaughn Rosanno. Also, please let me know if there is a memorial page for your grandmother Gladys. I’d love to see it. Thank you.