Warren 'Wink' Smith
Warren 'Wink' Smith September 23, 1919 - October 7, 2008, and Jean Alice Smith September 8, 1919 - June 3, 2008 'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you did not do than by the things that you did do. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.' -Mark Twain. Warren Collier (Wink) Smith was born in Mill Valley, California on September 23, 1919. The son of Arthur and Hilda Smith. Wink was the last surviving sibling of four: brother, Douglas Smith, wife, Rosemary; sister, Marnie Tobriner, husband, Walter, children, Toby and Connie; sister, Enid Newton, husband, Gaylord, children, Doug and Keith. Also many great nieces and great nephews. At the age of ten years old Wink learned to sail on San Francisco Bay from an old salt named Cappy. Wink was enlisted in the United States Coast Guard-Merchant Marines as a lieutenant throughout World War II. After returning from military duty, his entire joys in life were his family, and the sea, always with his first mate, Jeannie, at his side. Wink became a member of the San Francisco Yacht Club in 1964 where he moored his boat 'Montara.' Sailing San Francisco Bay and spending summers aboard 'Montara' on the Sacramento River Delta were some of the happiest moments of his life. Wink also crewed on a Transback Race and the Tahiti Race was a member of the National Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots of America and the CCA. As well as sailing practically every inch of water upon the planet, he also joined his great friends, Jerry & Sue Knect several times on their circumnavigation around the globe. At the end of the war Wink returned home to take over 'Hall and Smith,' his father's San Francisco based printing and stationary business ,where he continued to work until his 80th birthday. Jean Alice Smith was born in Melbourne, Australia, September 8, 1919. Jean was the only child of Percival and Margaret Smith. Jean Alice Smith attended Melborne's Preparatory College for women, where she became an accomplished sailor and a championship high board diver. During the war she enlisted as an ambulance driver and wartime correspondent. Jean worked as a staff writer for what was called the 'Marin Journal Newspaper.' The paper eventually became known as the 'Marin Independent Journal.' Her kindness, generosity and spirit were legendary. Volunteer work, political involvement and always available for friends and loved ones in need were the things that defined her. Wink met and married Jean while Wink was stationed with the United States Coast Guard in Sydney, Australia. Their three week wartime romance lasted for 63 years. Wink and Jean are survived by two children, Lynnette Sands, husband Chris and grandson Spencer of Los Gatos, CA; his son Douglas and granddaughter Jacklyn of Carmichael, CA, and best friends Chet and Lucy Noyes of Belvedere, CA. We hope your sails are full and the sun is always at your back. We all love you. A burial at sea and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 aboard a Hornblower Yacht. (Reminiscent of the old paddle wheel River Boats).
03/31/09 Submitted by: 
James Demerin
