Thomas Robert Smith passed away unexpectdly on June 26, 2010, just seven days after celebrating his 83rd birthday.  Tom was born in Oxnard in June 19, 1927 and grew up in Fillmore.  He attended Fillmore High School, where he played football and basketball.  As a child, he was stricken with an illness that damaged his hearing, which became progressively worse during his life.  This dampened his possibilities, but not his spirit.

     After graduating from high school in 1945, Tom moved to Ventura, where he worked for the Shell Oil Company for 36 years.  He was a field technician and considered dodging rattlesnakes scarier than working 70 feet up on an oil rig.  As a fast worker, he became known as the "Fillmore Flash" and the "Scourge of the Sespe".  After seven years he achieved what he said was "not the best paying job, but the best job"  He retired in 1981 and lived in Ventura for the rest of his life.

     Tom was a life-long football fan and attended the first Super Bowl in 1967.  He was an avid reader of two daily newspapers and every book about World War II.  He joined the Marines after graduating, but was discharged after three days because of his hearing.  Tom was married in the 1950's.  His former wife predeceased him.

     Tom was the son of Thomas E. Smith and Adele Smith and had a sister, Emma Maire Ditello, all who predeceased him.  Surviving are his niece, Sherida Bush and husband Tim Platt; nephew, Byron Bush; cousin, Sally Chizek; many extended family members and his beloved cat, Puddy.  He will be deeply missed.

     The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), The Humane Society of the U. S. or the animal welfare organization of your choice.

     A celebration of Tom's life will be held in September.  Please contact his niece, Sherida, for time and place at:  peanutbush-cat@yahoo.com [1] or at 925-372-5479