Alan E. Smith 1931 - July 17, 2010

Local architect and longtime Newport Beach resident Alan Smith died July 17, 2010, at home, with his family at his bedside.

Al was born in Long Beach to Albert and Ruth Smith in 1931. He graduated from Wilson High School in 1949. He graduated from the School of Architecture at UC Berkeley in 1953. Following graduation Al returned to Long Beach, joining Buffum’s Department Store as an assistant to the store architect, Orson Reynaud.

In 1954 Al met and married Mary Dianne Atkinson, also a Wilson graduate. That same year, Al fulfilled his military duty serving with the Army Corps of Engineers, stationed in Chinon, France. Their first child, daughter Capri, was born in Orleans, France. The new family returned to the U.S. in 1955 and Al began his apprentice with Kenneth Wing, AIA. In 1959 Al joined the young Newport Beach firm of Pleger, Blurock, Hogan and Ellerbroeck. Later Al became a partner in the Blurock Partnership, a long-lasting relationship. Al later became president and chief executive of Tbp Architecture until his retirement in 2001.

Al was an avid sailor, racing out of his home club, Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach. He raced a variety of sailboats. On his 50th birthday his wife gifted him with JUBILATION, a high-performance J24, and the family enjoyed many years of racing and cruising adventures with Dad. Al served as commodore of his beloved ABYC in 1998.

Al was an active member of St. James Anglican Church in Newport Beach, and served as senior warden of Trinity Church in Orange.

Al is survived by his wife, Mary, daughters Capri (Daniel Alderson), Jori (Ron Henry) and Mandi Smith (Jerry Thompson); son, Peter Smith; grandsons Nick Henry (Lindsay); Dan Henry (Jenelle); niece, Shannon (Bob Keller); nephew, Jeff Smith (Nancy); and loving grandnieces Lauren and Ava Smith.

A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 20, at St. James Anglican Church, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Parkinson’s Research,
Michael J. Fox Foundation, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008; www.michaeljfox.org; (212) 509-0995 ext.257, Laurie Stamile, Donor Services.