With great sorrow but in joyful recognition of a life well lived, the family of Donald Charles Smith announce his death at the age of 98 on Sept. 10, 2026, in Santa Barbara.

Born in Santa Ana, California, in 1928, Don lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Kennedy assassination, the moon landing, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the untimely death of his dear wife of 45 years, yet continued to live a full and abundant life.

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A lifelong athlete, Don’s most notable sports accomplishments occurred at UCLA, where he was All-American in swimming in 1950, and captain of the water polo team.

He held a life pass to all athletic events due to his athletic prowess, and remained a Bruins fan, along with much of his family, for the remainder of his life. He was a lifeguard at Orange County beaches during his college years.

At UCLA, Don met Fredericka “Freddy” Camp in 1951 – the year he earned his BS degree in physical education – and they were married in December that year.

An ROTC recruit, Don awaited his orders to report while working as an inspector at North American Aircraft.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

Born in Santa Ana, California, in 1928, Don lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Kennedy assassination, the moon landing, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and the untimely death of his dear wife of 45 years, yet continued to live a full and abundant life.

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Keep up with Noozhawk's daily news coverage, delivered at 4:15 a.m. right to your inbox.

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A lifelong athlete, Don’s most notable sports accomplishments occurred at UCLA, where he was All-American in swimming in 1950, and captain of the water polo team.

He held a life pass to all athletic events due to his athletic prowess, and remained a Bruins fan, along with much of his family, for the remainder of his life. He was a lifeguard at Orange County beaches during his college years.

At UCLA, Don met Fredericka “Freddy” Camp in 1951 – the year he earned his BS degree in physical education – and they were married in December that year.

An ROTC recruit, Don awaited his orders to report while working as an inspector at North American Aircraft.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

Keep up with Noozhawk's daily news coverage, delivered at 4:15 a.m. right to your inbox.

Sign up

A lifelong athlete, Don’s most notable sports accomplishments occurred at UCLA, where he was All-American in swimming in 1950, and captain of the water polo team.

He held a life pass to all athletic events due to his athletic prowess, and remained a Bruins fan, along with much of his family, for the remainder of his life. He was a lifeguard at Orange County beaches during his college years.

At UCLA, Don met Fredericka “Freddy” Camp in 1951 – the year he earned his BS degree in physical education – and they were married in December that year.

An ROTC recruit, Don awaited his orders to report while working as an inspector at North American Aircraft.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

At UCLA, Don met Fredericka “Freddy” Camp in 1951 – the year he earned his BS degree in physical education – and they were married in December that year.

An ROTC recruit, Don awaited his orders to report while working as an inspector at North American Aircraft.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

An ROTC recruit, Don awaited his orders to report while working as an inspector at North American Aircraft.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

In 1954, he and his bride decamped to Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was stationed as a second lieutenant (later promoted to first lieutenant) for two years, near the end of which they welcomed their first child.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

Upon return to Southern California in 1956, Don was hired by the Whittier Union High School District to teach English at California High School (Calhi), where he remained for 34 years, retiring in 1990.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.

He coached boys’ swimming and water polo, and included the swim team in research for his UCLA master’s thesis on the effects of strength training on speed swimming.

He earned his master’s degree in physical education in 1960, commuting to Westwood from Whittier in the evenings, while teaching and coaching.

He also taught driver’s education and driver’s training, and later worked as a water polo official for college and university games.

Don and Freddy were involved for many years as co-leaders of the American Heritage Tour, a weeklong field trip for high school students to learn about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and other East Coast venues.

Don was named Teacher of the Year in the Whittier Union High School District in 1987.

He kept in touch with many former students and team members that he mentored during his long career, and many continually expressed their gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

He also sang tenor in the choir at Hillcrest Congregational Church in La Habra Heights for many years.

He remained involved in sports, playing volleyball and tennis, then later bowling, with his many friends on the faculty at Calhi. In later years he took up golf.

Other highlights of Don’s full and varied life include volunteering for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, where he was a driver for the Canadian delegation; and his many trips to Europe, some of which were with Europa Tours, a camping excursion partnership that allowed many young people to experience European travel in down-to-earth fashion.

Don and Freddy traveled extensively, including a trip to China in 1990, when they were allowed to visit parts of the country not open to Westerners at that time.

Don was preceded in death by his younger sister Marjorie Petersen; niece Karen Petersen King; older brother Eugene; and by wife Freddy, who died of cancer in 1997.

For 29 years Don was the sole devoted parent to his four children. He continued to travel with friends and companions, presenting an aspirational example of “getting on with one’s life” and maximizing his retirement years.

He is survived by his children Gretchen Smith, Amy Birtwhistle (Tom), Whitney Waters, and Jay Smith (Alejandro Diaz); four grandchildren Amelia Birtwhistle (Eric Wright), Jake Birtwhistle (Christina), Taylor Smith, and Fiona Waters; four great-grandsons; along with three nieces and one nephew.

Don was a social person who always had multiple circles of friends – from the neighborhood Santa Ana boys and their wives dubbed The Picnic Club – to his Zeta Psi fraternity, his Whittier neighbors, and most especially his beloved faculty friends at Calhi with whom he had lifelong relationships.

Most recently he enjoyed playing bridge twice a week and attending current events and the men’s club in his Santa Barbara retirement community, where he lived since 2015.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no memorial service. Don’s ashes will be commingled with those of his beloved Freddy and interred in his beloved Pacific Ocean by family.