Harold W. Smith Jr., known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17 just after celebrating his 88th birthday.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on Oct. 8, 1937, to Harold and Caroline Smith, Bill was defined by his adventurous heart, professional dedication and unwavering kindness.

Bill spent his formative years in Pasadena and San Marino, California, where he cultivated a deep connection to the outdoors, working on ranches across Southern California and Montana. His lifelong love of aviation took flight early; he earned his pilot’s license at the ambitious age of 16.

He continued his education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where the Rocky Mountains called to him. It was during these college years that Bill refined his skills and, perhaps equally important, his social l

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