Maurits Van Smith

May 19, 1935-May 17, 2014

Age 78, passed away Saturday May 17 peacefully in his sleep. Van was born in La Junta, Colorado to Theodore Neil Smith and Marjorie Van Lopik Smith, and moved to California at 23 after graduating law school at University of Colorado Boulder.

Van had an intensely curious mind, was an avid reader, and deeply valued education. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved to laugh, read, dance, travel, eat good food, and spend time with family. Van loved practicing law, was a fierce fighter for justice and the underdog, and had a healthy skepticism of authority.

He is survived by his children Michael Bogart Smith, Zonelle Camille Cantu, Sabrina Alexis Smith and Winston Wolfgang Smith, sisters Jana Lynn King and Sharla Rae Gambrell, brother Kirk Smith, and four grandchildren.

Services will be held Saturday, June 21 at 11:00 St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 1957 Pruneridge Ave Santa Clara, California 95050.