Harold Allison Smith

Harold A. Smith passed away peacefully on February 19, 2020, in San Francisco, CA at the age of 95. Mr. Smith was born on December 16, 1924, in Worcester, MA to parents Gertrude and Ernest Smith. He grew up mostly in Bayside, Queens and graduated from Harvard University in 1946. In 1949, he married Anita (“Nini”) Koryn, originally from Amsterdam, Holland and a graduate of Vassar College. In 1950, they moved from New York to San Francisco, where they resided for the rest of their lives. They raised three children, Wesley, Brooke, and Charles.

Mr. Smith had a long career in real estate and finance. He was involved in building shopping centers, developing part of Lodi, CA, and overseeing a bakery, a gold mine, and a dairy. He co-founded a mortgage company and helped people with mortgage difficulties. He served on the Board of Trustees of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and for years was a parishioner, usher, and lector. He had a mellifluous voice, which was much appreciated. He was a good sailor and enjoyed sailing on San Francisco Bay. He was an avid skier who took pleasure in this sport to the age of 80. He enjoyed literature, reading several books each week. He especially loved poetry. He was a devotee of classical music, particularly chamber music. He was always elegantly dressed and appreciative of fine culture and cuisine. He loved San Francisco as well as its symphony and opera. He was an enthusiastic ambassador of the City to visitors.

Mr. Smith is survived by his children, Wesley and daughter-in-law Stephanie, Brooke and son-in-law Curt, and Charles and daughter-in-law also named Stephanie as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Nini, brother Bradford Smith, and sister Jeanne Schmidt.