George Welch Smith III

George W Smith III, born July 30, 1932 in Kansas City, KS, passed away in his sleep September 12, 2010 in Mission Viejo, CA after a lengthy illness. George grew up in Kansas City, MO, and moved to Long Beach CA after high school, where he met his wife-to-be, Jeanne Hiskey. They married in 1954 while George was serving in the U.S. Navy. George served aboard the USS Princeton during the Korean War. He was discharged from the Navy in 1956 with commendations to pursue a family and a Bachelor's degree from Long Beach State. George had a passion for boating and the sea and eagerly shared his enthusiasm with all who would come aboard. George was active in every community where he lived. In the 60's and 70's he was dedicated to family, church and youth leadership in Hacienda Heights. In the 80's he served as Commodore for Seagate Yacht Club and worked with various charities in Huntington Harbour. In the 90's he pursued community service in Fallbrook, with a special dedication to the Live Oak Park. George had a long and distinguished career as an engineer, inventor, electronics pioneer and executive for Beckman Interments in Fullerton CA. Through all of his accomplishments and successes, George never lost sight of his priorities and remained a dedicated husband and father first and foremost. While his contributions to electronics and manufacturing are technologies that we all now use in our everyday lives, George will best be remembered by all who knew him for his humor, his laugh and his amazing ability to make anyone smile, even in the most difficult circumstances. George is preceded in death by Jeanne, his wife of 50 years, by his brothers Frank and Michael and by his son Mark. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann, his brother David, his son Michael and daughter in-law Chris, his daughter Mary, his daughter Marguerite, by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be missed. A memorial Mass was held Saturday, September 25 2010 at 11:00 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5101 Alton Pkwy, Irvine CA.