Phillip John Smith

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor; his four children - Barbara Eby (from his first marriage to Donna Jepson), Joan St. Amand, James Smith, and Kathleen Smith; their spouses - Paul Eby, Leonel St. Amand, Shirley Smith, and Chris Gutsche; and 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild - Stephanie and Annika Eby, Daniel and Julia St Amand, Casey and Jacob Smith, and Alice and Oliver Gutsche-Smith; as well as one sister, Eva, his dog Missie, and many other relatives and friends. His mother, Marguerite, his sister Shirley, and his dear grandson Brennan predeceased him.

Phil is remembered fondly as an avid gardener, birdwatcher, dog owner, enthusiast of old cars, hard worker, and generous soul.

Phil was a life-long gardener beautifying the neighborhood, feeding his family, and composting before it was popular. He loved birds of all kinds and created a sanctuary for them in all his home gardens in locations as diverse as California, Texas, Utah, Oregon, and Maryland. He also loved dogs and always had one or two as faithful companions rescuing many from shelters and the streets.

Phil was an amateur car mechanic. He loved older cars - Studebakers most of all. He was a long-time member of various Studebaker clubs and a dedicated volunteer at the California Auto Museum (where he and his family built a permanent display called Phil’s Garage). He rebuilt multiple Studebakers including a 1931 Studebaker Commander, several Larks, and a Silver Hawk that served as first cars for some of his kids and grandkids.

Phil was an incredibly hard worker his whole life providing for his family, as well as those in need. He began working full-time at a fish and chips store before and after school at the age of ten to help support his family. He had a career working as a computer programmer (back when computers filled rooms), systems analyst, and sales agent for insurance companies. Despite not being able to attend college as a young person, Phil believed deeply in the value of higher education. He supported his children and wife in achieving various undergraduate and graduate degrees. After retirement, in his 60s, Phil was finally able to go to college himself - attending and graduating from CSU Sacramento through their Phoenix Program. He received his diploma with his family and many friends cheering him on.

Phil was a quietly generous person donating money and time to many organizations such as the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve, Elks Club, CSU Sacramento, and the California Auto Museum. Throughout his life, Phil “adopted” a family or person offering financial support and, more importantly, friendship and mentorship. This began when, as a young man, he served as a big brother through the Big Brother/Big Sister Organization. It continued informally up until his death.

Phil enjoyed travel and adventure. Before having a family, he traveled on a motorcycle through Europe with a friend experiencing new places, people, and food and meeting the Pope! With his wife Eleanor, he enjoyed travels to New Zealand and Fiji. For several years, he had a small sailboat in the Bay Area of CA. After the kids arrived, the adventures turned domestic with road trips to visit relatives in the US and Canada.

With grief, we say goodbye and with love, we remember your life. You are deeply missed, Phil. We hope you feel our love and are somewhere driving a Studebaker through a beautiful garden with a dog by your side and birds all around.

“A life with love will have some thorns, but a life without love will have no roses.”

Phil (Pip) - You were always surrounded by roses!

The family welcomes prayers and good wishes as an expression of sympathy in place of flowers.