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In Memory

Lawrence Valdemar Smith - Class Of 1953

 LAWRENCE VALDEMAR SMITH

August 27, 1934 - February 9, 2022

Palo Alto, California

Lawrence Valdemar Smith was born in Eureka, CA to Elmer and Ilona Smith on August 27, 1934. They moved to Palo Alto when he was 2 years and he remained there until his death on February 9, 2022.

He was a 1953 graduate of Palo Alto High School where he was active in Radio Club and Band. After high school he attended CalPoly majoring in electronics. He then served four years in the Navy. After his stint in the Navy, he went to work for Lockheed Aircraft as an electronics technician. He preferred hands-on work, but they wanted him to lead others so promoted him to Engineer and he led by example and demonstration. He worked on many of the space programs but his favorite was the Hubble Space Telescope.

He enjoyed a life of camping, fishing, keeping busy with electronics, chores in the yard, and working on old cars.

In October, he and his wife, Phyllis celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with his wife.  At the end of December 2021, he suffered a stroke from which he never recovered passing peacefully in his sleep on February 9, 2022.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Smith, sister Karen Christenson, a son Eric and daughter Nicole Keith; grandsons Callum and Ruari; nephew, Derek Christenson; niece, Ginger Gehr and her son Given.

In lieu of a memorial service he wished anyone who would like to make a donation to the Palo Alto Animal Shelter at petsinneed.org.

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