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Paul Smith Obituary

Paul Bryant Smith passed away on November 14, 2007 at the age of 49. Paul was raised in Maricopa, AZ, and attended the University of Arizona where he met his wife, Judy. Paul and Judy spent their early years together farming in rural Arizona. They raised two beautiful children, Bryant and Carolyn. Later, Paul and Judy founded Smithco Enterprises, Inc., an accomplishment Paul was very proud of. Paul had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed farming his land. He was also a great cyclist and relished this activity with his son, Bryant. For many years they completed the El Tour de Tucson and 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo races together. Paul, Bryant, and Carolyn also participated as a team in numerous triathlons, and his bike team, the Smithco Heavy Haulers, will continue to haul in his memory. Paul especially loved spending time, and countless summer vacations, with his family in San Diego. Paul and his family are lifetime Arizonans, first living in Kearny and later in Tucson. Paul battled cholangiocarcinoma for 11 months before passing away. He fought the cancer with vigor and courage, and led a very strong life throughout. Paul's family would like to extend thanks to his doctors Dr. Richard Rosenberg and nurse practioner Janet Bruce, as well as Dr. Todd Lessie, Tony Lytle, Sue and Rhonda. Paul is survived by his wife, Judy Smith; son, Bryant (22); daughter, Carolyn (19); parents, John and Marylou Smith; brothers, Jack Smith (Bakersfield, CA), Jim Smith (Phoenix, AZ), Matt Smith (Phoenix, AZ), Mark Smith (Yuma, AZ); and sister, Lisa Smith (Tucson, AZ). Paul was a very loving husband, father, son and brother. Services will be held at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 3201 E. Presidio on Monday, November 19, 2007. Family visitation will be at 11:00 am followed by a 12:00 pm funeral service (one block south of Ft. Lowell and one block east of Country Club).

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith

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Nancy Hushek

May 5, 2008

Judy,Bryant,& Caroline, Wow I just got your note I am so sorry to hear about Paul. Our prayers go out to you and your family. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Love The Husheks

cory warner

November 26, 2007

Judy & Family,
I only knew Paul a few years, but he made me feel like we had been friends forever. I think about him often, and I can't be around the Modesto Datsun Roadster people without fond memories of Paul coming to mind. He loved cars, but I think even more, it was a way of making friends and spending time with them. Paul, you are truly missed. Paul was like a 2nd dad to several of us "younger guys" in the group- and was the main person who always made us feel so welcome. I'll always remember him greeting me with a kind "hello friend".

Pete Dutton

November 25, 2007

Paul D. He was one of a kind. He was also my best friend. There wasn't much Paul and I had not done together. We built cars, partied, prayed,traveled and explored our family histories together.
He was like one of my family and I was like one of his. His wife Judy and my wife Vivien are like sisters and have been since they first met. Judy has always been like a sister too me.
It has been awhile since Paul passed. But, like many others, I miss him as much now as I did then and I am sure I always will. But time marches on and we should all give thanks that, we were one of the chosen number who got to know and love him for that short time here on earth.

Brian Kanter

November 20, 2007

Dear Smith Family:

Paul and I, along with Scott and others of the SMITHCO team up behind the smelter, became friends over time when I worked for a regional oil company. Your company - and I got to tell Paul this and thank him prior to leaving the oil business - was one of my first customers when I moved to AZ. I have excellent memories of many conversations and lunches going back to '98 with Paul referencing life, the history of the Kearny area, his farm and business, family, and even Asarco from time to time. It's been my privelegde to know Paul and will always value the time he and I spent together and consider him a good friend I will miss.

Kim Minnix

November 20, 2007

Dear Judy, Bryant, and Carolyn,
It was almost surreal to learn about Paul. Please know that our prayers are with you, as well as thoughts of peace and courage. With love and hugs,
Kim (Norton) Minnix,
Katie & Lauren Norton

Ben Groesbeck

November 20, 2007

I have known Paul for many years, while in the insurance business I had many classes with Paul. Known Paul to be a rael gentleman. I am prevledge to call Paul a very special person. and am sadden for our loss.

Kelly Schoof

November 19, 2007

Paul will be greatly missed. I give thanks for knowing Paul and his wonderful family!
We are keeping his close friends and family in our thoughts and prayers.

The world is a better place for having such a wonderful person, and now the heavens are rejoicing to have such an Angel!

Jennifer Brown

November 19, 2007

Judy, Carolyn, and Bryant

I am so sorry for your loss, Paul was such an amazing dad and husband. He always made me laugh and I always felt taken care of whenever I was with you all in California. He was always sure to ask how my Jeep was doing and if I had washed it lately, which I never had.

He will be missed.

Laurie Warburton

November 19, 2007

My deepest thoughts to your family you rented a fine little house in Ceres to my children and I and that truly helped this single mom help her kidsyou had faith in me and that made me a better person for it all our love to you and family Taz/Trista/Laurie we loved that little house and we will miss you greatly all our love to your loved ones I pray things will get easier for all of you all our love

Mike Moore

November 19, 2007

Dear Smith family. My prayers are with you and your family during this time. I met Paul while working on the Smith ranch in Kearney during Easter break from Fresno State in 1980. He left a lasting impression on me. He had a wonderful spirit, an abundance of energy and a great sense of humor. I was very saddened to hear that he is gone. Although it has been many years, the memories remain vivid.

Terry Lorbeer Watson

November 19, 2007

My heart and prayers go out to the entire Smith family. I remember you all as such a loving, close, and accomplished group. I cannot imagine your grief and hope that somehow you can all survive this tragedy. Love to you all, especially Mark, who I remember loving each and every family member so dearly.

Lana Williford (Pearce)

November 19, 2007

Dear Smith family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although I haven't seen you two in a few years (Barn dances) Mary Lou has kept us all up to date on Paul's health. I'm so very, very sorry for your loss!

Rose Bradford

November 19, 2007

Paul was a great friend in Rotary in Kearny. My thoughts and prayers go to Judy and the Children.
Rose Bradford

Gwyn Pearce Mikosz

November 19, 2007

Dear Smith Family,

Paul has and will always have a special place and smile in our hearts.

A memory such as when Paul finally got strong enough to throw a rock over the top of the water tower was a good day for him and those who had watched him try so many times.

Our thoughts and love to all of you,

The Entire Pearce Family

Steve Maracigan

November 19, 2007

Dear Judy, Bryant and Carolyn,

I am sorry for your loss.

I met Paul 5 or 6 years ago and liked him from our very first meeting. Paul was an honest outstanding man of great character, who loved his family first and loved what he did.

We talked about riding in the El Tour one day....he always talked about his children and was extremely proud of them, I always liked hearing about what you did as a family. I know he loved you very much.

Paul fought a great battle and always had a great outlook on life.

His company Smithco is a valued customer to us at Empire Machinery and Paul will be missed.

Judy and family if there is anything we at Empire can do please let us know.

Sincerely,
Steve Maracigan

Tara (Roach) McMahon

November 18, 2007

Dear Judy, you and the entire Smith family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss - it is hard to find the appropriate words. I hope the love of your family and friends will be a comfort and support to you. I know Jamie is there for you. With deepest sympathy, Tara

Theresa Norton Greco

November 18, 2007

Judy, Bryant and Caroline:
I know that Paul is cycling with God: riding the great trails of heaven. During down time, Paul will probably watch those Phoenix Suns on God's big screen tv.

I am thinking of you all and you are in my prayers.

Don Norton's sister, the Bulls fan

Grace Davis (Tarango)

November 18, 2007

Judy, Bryant and Caroline,
My prayers are with you and your family at this time. I knew Paul from school. I remember him as being kind and funny.
He made a lasting impression on those he met. May God's strength help you through this tough time.
Sincerely,
Grace (Tarango) Davis

Ken and Jean Heleba

November 18, 2007

Judy, Bryant and Carolyn,
We are so sorry and so saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was such a wonderful, kind, gentle person - a friend to all. We were so blessed to have known him. We will keep you all in our thoughts and in our prayers.

Love
Ken, Jean and Bachi

Eric Greendale

November 18, 2007

Dear Judy, Bryant and Carolyn,
I never got to meat Paul personally, but did speak with him many times over the phone, and am so saddened that I did not have the experience to meat him in person. I am so sorry for your loss, and feel exceptionally touched because I was diagnosed with this same disease 1 month before Paul was. Paul's struggle with this will not go unwarranted, as I will find strength from him and continue to fight my own battle. May God be with you and your family.

Much Love,
Eric Greendale

Don Norton

November 17, 2007

Judy, Bryant, Carolyn

I can not tell you had sad I was to hear about Paul. Please know that you are in our prayers. You are all family to us. Know that Paul is with God and you will see him again. We love you all,

The Nortons: Don, Beth, Katie, Lauren , Madison

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