July 24, 1945 – October 3, 2026
In Loving Memory – Thomas (Tom) Frank Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend, passed on October 3, 2026, at 81, while doing something he loved – fly fishing.
He will be remembered for his kindness, strength, sense of humor, and the love he gave to those around him. He touched many lives throughout his years and leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever.
Tom was born in Ypsilanti, MI on July 24, 1945 to Dorothy and Don Smith. He lived in Ypsilanti and graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1967, when he moved to the Bay Area. His career started with Hallmark cards and continued until he and his two partners, Steve Andrews and Jim Evans, bought McWhorters which was a “whole lot more than a stationary store”. They successfully built and sold McWhorters in 1996. Tom continued his success with investments in real estate and a commercial real estate brokerage. Tom always loved the deal.
He is survived by Karen his wife of 26 years, children Eric Smith (Michelle), Kim Kenyon (Sanford), Jennifer (James), and stepchildren Russ Melbye (Jeanine) and Jill Melbye (Phil Perry), and sister Jane Fuller of Ypsilanti, MI, and Michigan family. Tom was preceded in death by his daughter Shannon and brother-in-law Don Fuller. Tom was also blessed to have nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren, along with many dear friends whose lives he touched.
Tom always had a kind word, an interest in what you were doing, and loved to help people. He loved fly-fishing, traveling with Karen and friends, cheering on the Niners, Giants and Sharks, playing poker with buddies, and growing and pouring his home-grown wine “Toren Vineyards”.
We will miss his “hey bud/hello dear” greeting, humor, tenaciousness, and thoughtfulness, to name a few.
He and Karen built a wonderful life together, including a lifetime of memories, love and family. Tom was a welcoming face at Los Altos United Methodist Church as an usher, a Community Service Agency “Home Town Hero”, a long time Los Altos Chamber member and past President, and was involved in numerous other community and civic organizations.
Though he is no longer with us, Tom’s love, his spirit, and the memories shared will remain in our hearts forever. He was deeply loved and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service is planned on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Los Altos United Methodist Church (655 Magdalena Avenue, Los Altos) with a reception to follow at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Thomas F. Smith Memorial Fund at Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation (LAMVCF.org).
