Harley John Smith

1938 - 2020

Harley John Smith
Harley John Smith was born on January 27, 1938 in San Diego, CA to John & Joyce Smith (Ryggs). A fond family memory was Harley bringing home the good news of the end of the 2nd World War to his family, during a home haircut! Harley was a member of the first graduating class at Carlmont High School in Belmont, CA where he enjoyed a spot on Carlmont High's Championship Cross Country Team. Harley received a "full ride" Naval scholarship to Oregon State University. After taking up residence in Heckart Lodge, he joined the Navy ROTC, Key Club and was elected Student Body Vice President, running on the Shamrock Party ticket. Harley then joined the Navy before he launched his career in Investments and Real Estate Management. Harley also received his MBA from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Go Beavers & Bears!!
Harley's passions in life included traveling the world with his Pan Am stewardess wife Brigitte, and supporting all things Education. Harley served on the various boards and councils for both his children's elementary school, Aunnication, and OSU, his alma mater. He especially loved to share his investment knowledge to help both of those institutions achieve financial success. In fact, he liked to say that his daughter's first words were "compound interest". In 2006 Harley received the Dan Poling Service Award from OSU, for his volunteer and donor efforts and was inducted into OSU's College of Business Hall of Fame. As a lifelong donor to OSU, Harley was also co-founder and co-donor of the Lifetime Financial Planning Contest Scholarship and co-donor of the Trysting Tree Lounge.
All who remember Harley speak of a kind, charming and extremely generous man who loved his family and friends, and who loved to teach others what he knew. He was an avid reader and was still continuing his education on a daily basis. Harley even sent his college bound brother Jerry a care package of the essential "must read" books when he left home. As a stay at home/work at home Dad, Harley was able to participate in and help facilitate many many extra curricular activities with his daughters and their friends. He was truly the best and coolest dad ever!! Harley also enjoyed yearly camping trips to the Lair of the Golden Bear (Camp Gold) for over 20 years.
Harley fought a short but terrible battle against Cancer (Multiple Myeloma) and passed away on November 18, 2020. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Brigitte Ursula Smith (Pohler).
Harley Smith is survived by his brother Jerald Smith of Stockton and his two daughters, Tara Smith & Tobey Parks, both of American Canyon, and their families: Son in law, Jason Parks, Grandsons Connor Harley Parks and Lucas Xavier Carranza, Granddaughter Zoey Ella Parks and Sister in law, Christa Pohler of Germany. Harley also has an extensive family on his Smith side, too numerous to name here.
The Family wishes to express their appreciation and sincere thanks for all acts of kindness shown to them in their time of sorrow.
Celebration of Life TBD (April 2021, Covid permitting)