Arthur Smith 10/17/1915 --- 3/23/2002 Arthur was born in Washington, Oklahoma. When he was still a baby his parents moved to New Mexico and homesteaded a ranch 30 miles from Clovis, New Mexico. Arthur grew up on a farm on land near Bellview New Mexico. Arthur had 4 brothers and 3 sisters. In the 1940's during the war he worked at Cannon Air Force base. He didn't have to go to war because his parents needed help running the farm and his 3 brothers were already in the Service. In July of 1940 Arthur was married to Vivian Cleveland and they remained married for 61 years. They had 3 children, one daughter and two sons. They lived in Clovis where Arthur worked as a General Contractor building custom homes. Arthur was an expert at many trades including Carpentry, Pluming Electrician and could build a complete house by himself. One of his dreams was to learn to fly a airplane. At the age of 40 he made that dream come true. He bought a small plane and took lessons and became a expert pilot. Over the next 18 years he owned many planes and logged in hundreds of hours in the air. At the age of 32 Arthur joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church and became a devout Christian. He was very active in the church and shared his faith daily. It became very important to him that his children get a christian education. Since there were no Adventist church schools in Clovis, New Mexico, he moved his family 250 miles away to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since His business was in Clovis he flew back and forth for 8 years even flying from Clovis to Riverside California when his daughter started college at La Sierra University. In 1968 Arthur moved his family to Riverside, California and left his business in Clovis, New Mexico. Arthur went to work for Loma Linda University as a Maintenance Supervisor. Arthur completed many major projects changing the University campus to what you see today. In 1978 Arthur retired to help his son build his home from the ground up where they still live today. Arthur loved to work and always stayed busy doing gardening, canning and growing everything from olives to apples. Arthur also did a lot of volunteer work helping to build the Perris Seventh-day Adventist Church. There is a pew in the front of the church dedicated to him and his efforts. Arthur lived a rich and fruitful life. He was a extremely generous person giving his time and support to everyone that crossed his path. He will always be missed and loved by his family and friends. His family is made up of his loving wife Vivian, his daughter Karen and his sons Bruce and Reuben. He also has 4 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. REST SAFELY IN HIS CARE There are many things in life That we cannot understand, But we must trust God's Judgment And be guided by his hand, And all who have God's blessing Can rest safely in his care, For he promises safe passage On the wings of faith and prayer. CONSOLATION Earth hath no sorrow That heaven can't heal. As I softly repeat it, Great comfort I feel. To those in the storm Of sorrow's dark night And point to the morn, When joy will abound Up there in the skies, As God gently wipes The tears from our eyes! Oh, then we'll see clearly The face we adore And greet our dear loved ones Who've gone on before. Gone every heartache That here we may feel; For earth hath no sorrow That heaven can't heal! Family Memories Melissa Smith Story Above writen by: Bruce Smith 2002 To Add your Story, Email Melissa: ravenklaw@yahoo.com