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William 'Claude' Smith

William "Claude" Smith passed away peacefully at home in Sonoma on May 3, 2011. He was 102.

He was born Nov. 18, 1908, in Jefferson County, Iowa, to Nellie "Ollie" and L. Ross Smith.

When Claude was 8 years old, his father was struck and killed by lightning, leaving young Claude feeling a sense of responsibility for his family. This included driving the family car. Thus began his lifelong love with the Ford motor car.

As a school boy, he awakened early each morning to light the fire in the local printing press and also began to learn the mechanics of the automobile.

In 1933, he married his sweetheart and former classmate, Peggy Williams, and together they weathered the Great Depression. They showed movies under the stars in local parks and neighboring towns for a 10-cent admission.

When World War II arrived, Claude worked in a munitions plant and, later, in Kaiser Shipyards. Other occupations included operating a limestone quarry and Ford auto-parts distribution.

Before retiring, Claude was employed by El Dorado County Camp Grounds at Sly Park and Lake Tahoe, which gave him and Peggy the opportunity to live in the mountains they loved. They also had the pleasure of traveling extensively to many parts of the world.

In their last few years together, Claude took care of Peggy. He was her hero. As they neared their 75th anniversary, Peggy passed away. Claude was also predeceased by his older sister, Evelyn Simmons, and his younger brother, Harold Smith.

He is survived by his daughter, Dee, and son-in-law Roger Wilson, of Sonoma; by his granddaughter, Theresa Viola (Philip) Buck. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who brought joy and affection to Claude's long life.

Graveside service and inurnment Oakwood Cemetery, 3301 Paul Sweet Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95065.

Arrangements under the direction of Duggan's Mission Chapel, Mission Cremation Service, 525 W. Napa St., Sonoma, CA; www.duggansmissionchapel.com.