Fred Smith

At Diamonds In The Desert, 1992

Frederic Howard Smith
10 Mar 1936 - 23 Jan 2025

Clubs & Associations

Obituary

Frederic H. Smith A full and busy 30 years after surviving a near-fatal heart attack, Frederic H. "Fred" Smith passed away at his home in Rossmoor (Walnut Creek, CA) at the age of 88. A Wisconsin native, Fred was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin and a veteran of the State's National Guard. In his twenties, Fred migrated to California to begin a successful career in the retail industry, beginning as a manager at Gottschalks. Fred met his life and business partner, Gary Kalman, in the 1970s, and together they were entrepreneurs. Many Northern Californians fondly recall shopping at the Glass Pheasant stores in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Citrus Heights, and at the Crystal Fox in Carmel. Many of their vendors and customers became longtime friends.

Though work was a hobby as well as a vocation, Fred was also a doting "parent" to a series of four-footed friends. His favorite was Coco Chanel Smith, whose human admirers would stop in to visit the pup at the store off Union Square.

Fred was an excellent caregiver for his partner, Gary, throughout Gary's almost 15-year battle with cancer. They visited Honolulu as often as they possibly could. After Fred's retirement, he became a world traveler.

Fred also applied his strong work ethic to his love of music. He became a patron of the arts, and was an aficionado of the San Francisco Symphony, Opera and Ballet. Fred served as President of the Metropolitan League of the SF Symphony. He was so successful in this endeavor that he was named Chairperson of the eight Bay Area leagues of the SF Symphony Volunteer Council.

After his move to Rossmoor, Fred joined the Board of Directors of the California Symphony. He was recognized for his significant volunteer efforts, and was thrilled at the honor of being a guest conductor.

Fred basked in the accolades he received for his famous orange liqueur cake and his cranberry relish over the great many special events and Thanksgivings he shared with Gary's extended family. Fred loved a good party, a vodka martini, and a nice cabernet.

Fred is survived by partner Gary's sister, Lynne Shilling, and her family; numerous relatives on the east coast; a devoted circle of friends; and by fellow gym-goers and symphony lovers at Rossmoor. Special thanks to Fred's friend, Bev Louie, and the team at Contra Costa Senior Helpers, for their care. A private memorial service will be held at Fred and Gary's gravesite, located in the shadow of their beloved Diamond Head, Oahu. Friends will also hold a memorial event at Rossmoor. Donations to the San Francisco Symphony or the California Symphony in Fred's memory would be gratefully welcomed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.^[1]

Remembrances

I lost touch with Fred and Gary after they closed their San Francisco store. I have many fond memories of visiting them there.
Michael Gill<ref>email 2025 June 15