Leo R. Smith

Leo Robert Smith passed unexpectedly on Monday, April 24th at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson. Born March 22, 1954 in Tucson, he lived part of his childhood in Douglas and Benson and one year in Lake Havasu City before returning to Tucson. He graduated from Fickett Junior High and Sahuaro High School, and received his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona. He became a registered Professional Engineer in 1981 and a registered Land Surveyor in 1983. He worked for Cella Barr, Blanton and Co, and his own firm Smith Rollins before his 21 years of service to Pima County, mainly in Flood Control. He came out of retirement to work for the WLB group for the last few years.

He was predeceased by his parents Barbara(Shoup) and Robert E. Smith, Sr, his Mother in law in Phoenix, Irma Linsenmeyer, and inlaws in Wisconsin, Patricia and Richard Lannoye, brother in law Michael Lannoye, his Aunty Dean, and his infant daughter Alexandra. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tiana, his daughters Vanessa Werbylo(Kevin) and Cassandra Henderson(Erick), his sister Calista Bellinfante, brothers Paul (Geri), Roderick, and Robert Jr, cousin Bob Townsend, as well as beloved in -laws, cousins, nieces and nephews in Tucson, Phoenix, Delaware, Florida, Utah and Wisconsin, and a very precious granddaughter, Avery Smith Werbylo.

Leo was a proud Goldwater/ Reagan Republican and had the honor of meeting 5 Presidents and helping many candidates from City Council to State Senate to Congress. He was among the first to use a personal computer to aid campaigns with targeting and demographics, often working with his equally enthusiastic dad, Bob. He and Tiana met as Young Republicans and continued to be involved to present day. He was also a proud Knight of Columbus, Grand Knight for three years, Faithful Navigator for his 4th degree Assembly, and dogged volunteer at St. Cyril’s School and Church. His many interests and talents included BBQ and smoking salmon, making sausage and salsa, making beer and Smith Family eggnog, sewing iceskating and Halloween costumes, flyfishing, astronomy, photography, vintage Fleetwood Mac, railfanning and epic road trips. He will be very missed by a wide range of family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be Monday, May 15th, 10 am at St. Cyril’s, on Swan and Pima. Visitation starts at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, a gift to the Newman Center Sustaining Board Scholarship Fund would be welcome, 5791 North Placita Amanecer, Tucson, AZ 85718.