Obituary of Glenn Eldon Smith

Glenn Eldon Smith lost his courageous battle with ALS on June 7th, at the age of 72. He passed peacefully at his home in Ben Lomond, CA surrounded by his loving family. Glenn was born on March 16th, 1952, to Ralph and Evelyn Smith in San Jose, CA. Glenn had three siblings: an older brother, Larry, younger brother, Brian, and a baby sister, Gayle. He grew up in Cambrian Park and had a wonderful childhood with many family camping and fishing trips. Ralph's brother, Bob, lived nearby with his three children, Chris, Claudia and Cindy. Glenn spoke fondly of his memories with his siblings and cousins all gathered around "Nana's Table" for Sunday dinners. A tradition that he carried on with his own family using that very same table. Glenn's family moved to Scotts Valley in 1963. He had a love of fast cars, often racing through the streets of Santa Cruz or up and down Scotts Valley Drive in his 1965 Chevell SS. He attended Soquel High and graduated in 1970. Shortly after he met the love of his life, Donna Judd, from Lisle, New York. They instantly had a connection and knew they had something special. They were married in the redwoods in June of 1980 and had three children: Shyra, Tanya and Max. Glenn was incredibly hard working but also knew how to enjoy life. You could say he lived by the motto: "Work Hard, Play Hard." He worked for his brother Larry as a Dr. Pepper truck driver before becoming a salesman for an electronic company. After a few years he decided to take the leap and start his own electronic company. In 1987, with the help of Donna, his company Assembly Tek was born. He ran it out of their home garage but once it grew large enough, he moved it to Scotts Valley, where he decided to make his brother Brian a partner. Together they continued to build the company and make it into what it is today. If that wasn't enough, in 1994 Glenn and Donna bought a run-down, two-acre property in Ben Lomond. They completely remodeled the eye sore and made it into (as Glenn would always say) "a beautiful park like setting". The center of it, a pool where Donna would run her Swim Center business for the next 30 years. Glenn was a wonderful husband and an amazing father. He loved to cook for his wife and kids and made sure to have a home-cooked, sit-down dinner with them most nights. He loved family vacations, whether it was a trip to the snow, houseboating in Shasta, Disneyland, Maui, or visiting family in New York, he always knew how to bring a carefree spirit to the trip. He often said "relax, we're on vacation!!" Anyone who knew Glenn knew he also loved sports! He coached his children's softball teams and was known for supplying warm up music, big league chew, and sunflower seeds to every game, "just like the big leagues do it." If not working or busy with family he was off with "the boys" at Giants or 49er games, backpacking, fishing, or playing golf. He loved his annual golf trips with his brothers, and his traditional Sunday 49er game days with his crew. Glenn retired in 2017 and was able to enjoy his four grandchildren, Tommy, Molly, Eliana and Penny. They will always remember Papa's special hotdogs, his 'famous' fried chicken, and his crispy bacon. He loved sneaking them chocolate or candy anytime they wanted, but they also knew to keep glitter out of his house. Glenn lived a full life, filled with passion, joy and lots of love. He will be greatly missed but will live on in our hearts and memories. Glenn is survived by his wife Donna, his daughters and their husbands, Shyra and Nathan, Tanya and James, by his son Max, and his four grandchildren, Tommy, Molly, Eliana and Penny. Also by his siblings Brian and Gayle, his sister in laws, Angela, Danette and Patty, his nieces Jodi, Jessica and Mariah, and his nephews; Randy, Kyle, Gabe, Brian, Luke, Michael, Brock and Zach. The celebration of his life will take place on July 6th at 1:30pm located at the park like setting he was so proud of. 9050 Hwy 9 in Ben Lomond. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Glenn's name to ALS network, PO Box 7082, Woodland Hills, CA 91365.