Sherman Smith

1916 - 2021

LA JOLLA — Marine -- Businessman -- Philanthropist

Col. Smith, born in Denver, Colorado, in 1916, was schooled in Utah, Michigan, and Washington D.C. As a decorated Marine aviator, he retired in 1961 and, until his death, was active with the real estate management and development corporations he helped form. As President of HMS General Corporation and Secretary of Indio Industrial Park and Cliffcor Management Corporations, his major business locale was the Coachella Valley, though he made clients in Orange and San Diego County.

A member of Beta Theta Pi, he graduated from the University of Utah and the George Washington University School of Law. He resigned as a reserved U.S. Army Commissioned Officer in 1940 and entered the Marine Aviation Cadet Program. During his military career, Smith received combat awards; Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and Air Medal. His other decorations included the Brazilian order of Naval Merit. While Clare Booth Luce was the American Ambassador in Rome, he was assigned there as the U.S. Marine Attache. During his military career, he had the singular experience of being asked to serve as personal aide and administrative assistant by two Chiefs of Naval Operation and later by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

With his wife, Lady, he made Newport Beach their home for 34 years. During this period, he and Bill Mirams developed properties in the Newport-irvine industrial complex, created Cyprus Shore in San Clemente, and Indian Springs in Palm Desert. He was a member of the Rotary Clubs in each of those locations and was active with the 552 Club, and Irvine Coast Country Club in Newport Beach.

Col. Smith was on the committee that helped incorporate the city of Palm Desert. He was a major benefactor of and had a long-time association with the Living Desert, serving as President of the board and honored as its trustee emeritus in 2007. He will long be remembered for his service and devotion to that internationally recognized zoological and botanical park.

“Sherm” and Lady made La Jolla their primary residence in 1992.

The San Diego Opera Association and the San Diego Zoological Society became early recipients of their generosity, as did the Marine Military Academy and the Braille Institute.

Colonel Smith is survived by his wife of almost 80 years, Lady Smith.

Sherm suggested donations be made to the Living Desert, 49-700 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260.