Lasting Memories

Stanley Robert Smith
Feb. 22, 1930-Oct. 17, 2015
Palo Alto, California
Submitted by Robert B Smith

Stanley Robert Smith passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Oct. 17, 2015. He was 85.

Born in Bakersfield, California on Feb. 22, 1930, and grew up in Delano, California. He was the eldest son of Albert and Thelma Smith. He attended Delano High School and graduated in 1947. After graduation, he attended UC Berkeley where he earned both a Bachelors of Science Engineering (Class of 1951) and Masters of Electrical Engineering (Class of 1955).

Between earning his bachelor's and master's degrees, he served two (2) years in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 followed by 8 years in the U.S. Army reserves. He received the National Defense Service Medal.

While earning his master's at UC Berkeley he met his future wife, Lois. They married on Sept. 18, 1955 and moved to Palo Alto, California, where Stanley went on to earn an MBA from Stanford University (Class of 1957). Shortly after graduating, he accepted a position with Hewlett-Packard where he worked for 30 years.

Stanley and Lois raised three sons, Ronald, Richard and Robert in Palo Alto. As a family they enjoyed camping, traveling throughout California and attending Stanford football games. Both Stanley and Lois were Fellows of The First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto.

After retiring from Hewlett-Packard, Stanley remained busy. He enjoyed reading and had an extensive book collection. He loved remodeling and building things for the house and garden. He and Lois enjoyed traveling. They traveled throughout the United States, Europe and Latin America. They particularly enjoyed ocean cruising. With their last trip they circumnavigated the world.

He was a founding and active board member of the Palo Alto Cable Co-op.

Stanley moved to the Vi at Palo Alto (formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt) in 2005 where he enjoyed being a member of the Sand Hill Coffee Club and participating in all the holiday events. He made many friends whose company he truly cherished.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Smith of Palo Alto; his three sons, Ronald and his wife Janet of Saratoga, Richard and his wife Sissela of Palo Alto, and Robert and his wife Catherine of Saratoga; and two granddaughters, Kyra and Annika.