David Nyland Smith, 57, of Santa Paula, California, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 surrounded by his wife, children, and family.
His Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Catalyst Church, at 241 North Mill Street, Santa Paula (the corner of Mill and Santa Paula Streets.) The community, family, and friends are encouraged to attend.
David was born January 13, 1962 to Paul James and Laura (Nyland) Smith in Hennepin, Minnesota, the fifth child and first son of eight children. The family moved from Minnesota to Santa Paula, California in 1967. He graduated from Santa Paula High School in 1980. In 1989, David met Michelle Horne, his beautiful bride and wife of 30 years, and the two were married in Santa Paula, California on October 28, 1989. Together, they raised three phenomenal children.
David is survived by his loving wife Michelle; son Talon Smith; daughters Miranda Smith and Camille (Kevin Aten) Smith; his mother Laura Caroline (Nyland) Smith, brother James Paul (Melissa) Smith; sisters Sheila (Gary Goff) Lawrence, Brenda (Tim) Woodward, Juliann Smith, Cynthia (Jim) Price, Jennifer (Augie) Reyes, and Andrea Hurtado; nieces Daisha, Jerica, Hannah, Megan, Maggie, Olivia, Racheal, Brittney (son Brenden), and Haley; nephews Sam, Jake, Dexter, Mackenzie, Nathan, Roberto, Jason, Kenny, Mark and Aaron, and numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and extended family. David was preceded in death by his son Justin Allen, his father Paul James, his niece Ashley, and father in law Billy Joe Horne. David was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to everyone.
David loved spending time with his wife and children, dogs Buddy and Zoey, close family, neighbors, and friends. He loved camping, gardening and all things "Star Wars". David worked offshore in the oil industry for 23 years. He always spoke dotingly of his time as a 'roughneck' on the offshore oil platforms. He also worked at Ameron in Fillmore, but he was forced to give up the careers he loved due to injury. As a retiree, he spent his free time loving and helping his family, volunteering, raising roses, gardening, helping his sister Andi care for their mom, watching various sports, sci-fi movies and was an avid reader.
An eternally present and supportive father, he was very active in the lives of his children. He attended nearly every Santa Paula High School football game. He was present for every pig weigh-in and Ventura County Fair livestock show during the FFA pig raising years, and was the farm dad to everyone. He lived life as a professional volunteer, giving a helping hand to whoever needed it.
His wife Michelle is devastated by the sudden death of the love of her life, her most loyal and affectionate partner in life. Looking back at their sweet love story, Michelle said, “He always encouraged me that things are not always as bad as they seemed. When I wanted to give up or said I couldn't do something, David would always remind me of all the things I have accomplished.” She continues to cherish the mundane memories in detail: “I’m going to miss his spilled coffee on the counter every morning and the black Spider-Man mug sitting in the sink, coffee in bed every morning, and the hot lunch sitting on the table everyday when I came home for lunch.”
David’s brother and sisters are shocked by their brother’s sudden passing, as it occurred far too soon. They are all gathering together this week in Santa Paula and extend their gratitude to everyone for their love and concern, especially for his wife and children.
Juliann Smith, first editor of the Fillmore Gazette and Fillmore Outlook and one of David’s six sisters remembers her brother fondly, “With his gentle spirit and strength of character, huge hands and big heart, David was loved and respected by all in our family and all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.”
The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura for their loving care and support during his final days.
The family would also like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all friends, family, and those at Catalyst Church for being very accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.
Following the Celebration Of Life Memorial Service on Saturday, October 12, 2019 there will be a potluck reception in the dining /reception hall at Catalyst immediately following the service. Those wanting to donate finger-foods can drop off at the church kitchen before or immediately after service. Those wishing to sign the guest book and share memories may do so that day or by visiting the memorial website created in honor of David at: https://everloved.com/life-of/david-smith