Alan Smith

Alan Smith, 91 of Phoenix, passed away September 25, 2016. Alan was born August 9, 1925 in Fairbanks, Wisconsin. His parents Lester and Florence Smith adopted him at an early age and he grew up in Port Washington, Wisconsin. After high school, Alan joined the Navy and proudly served in the south pacific during WWII. After the war he returned to Wisconsin and entered school at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. He was a member and president of SAE fraternity at Beloit. Upon his graduation in 1950 with a business degree, he returned to Port Washington and the family business where he was involved in all aspects of the companies fishing and restaurant businesses. In 1952, he met his future wife Elizabeth (Birdie) and they were married in 1953. In 1964, with their 4 children, the family moved to Redondo Beach, California so Alan could oversee their two west coast restaurants. One was located in Redondo Beach, and the other in Beverly Hills. The iconic Smith Bros. Fish Shanty was an anchor on the famous "Restaurant Row" in Beverly Hills for 40 years. Alan was an active member of the community and also served as president of the Rotary Club of Torrance. Upon his retirement in 19...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

Alan and Birdie moved to the beautiful home they built in Sedona, Arizona where they remained through their retirement years. They were both faithful members of The Church of the Red Rocks and members of The Village of Oak Creek Golf Club, where Alan served a term as President. Besides his passion for golf, he loved the Green Bay Packers, traveling, entertaining friends and family at their home and the undeniable beauty that all of Arizona offered. In 2013, they moved to Phoenix to spend more time with family. Alan is preceded in death by his sisters Carol and Maxine. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Birdie; his four children, Robert Steiner (Kim Leatham) of Bainbridge Island, WA, Susan (Carl) Irwin of Phoenix, Jeff (Audrey) Smith of Reno, NV, Gwynne (Jim) Fijan of Phoenix; Seven grandchildren, Spencer (Ardra) Hansen, Stuart Hansen, both of Phoenix, Elyse (Travis) Hansen of Reno, Skylar (Andi) Smith of Scottsdale, Taylor (Ashley) Fijan of Brentwood, Ca., Kara Fijan of West Hollywood, Ca. and Jack Fijan of Phoenix; Four great-granddaughters, Luci and Presley Hansen of Phoenix, Elliott and Remy Hansen of Reno. His only brother, Lloyd Smith still resides in Wisconsin. Alan will always be remembered as a truly genuine, kind, loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will always remember his calm and gentle ways, his unwavering integrity, incredible patience and of course most of all, his love. He will remain in our hearts forever. A memorial service will be held at Hansen Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale, Monday, October 3, 2016 at 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flowers St. Phoenix, Az. 85014 and/or Arizona Humane Society Phoenix Chapter, 9226 N. 13th Ave., Phoenix, Az. 85021.