Marion Goodrich Smith, Jr March 19, 1933 - December 29, 2013

Born in Nashville, TN on March 19, 1933 to the late Nancy & Marion Smith, Marion Smith passed away in Newport Beach on December 29, 2013. Marion grew up in Nashville with 2 sisters and attended Vanderbilt University where he pledged Phi Delta Theta. After 2 years, he transferred to Northwestern University where he earned a BS in Finance.

From 1954-1959, Marion earned his wings as a fighter pilot and bombardier navigator in the US Navy where he piloted planes off of aircraft carriers. He returned to Nashville and married Margaret Murrey.

He worked for the National Life & Accident Ins Co (later NLT Corporation) in Nashville for 25 years where he was EVP–Investments and Chairman & CEO of the Intereal Company, NLT’s real estate investment subsidiary. In 1983, he joined the Koll Company as a principal partner and was President at the time of his retirement in 1987 at the age of 54.

In March 1983, Marion married Pat Foster Crane and moved to Newport Beach. He would tell you that his greatest accomplishment was his family. He and Pat have lived in the same home in Dover Shores for 30 years.

Marion was very active at Big Canyon CC and Pacific Club, especially upon retirement.

Marion was a lover of life – and he lived each and every day by his “work hard, play hard” philosophy! Marion’s favorite hobbies were working in his garden (especially the tomatoes!), playing tennis & golf, reading books, hunting, traveling and enjoying good restaurants. He had a natural ability to make people feel welcome in his home and his true interest in connecting with all people around him was what drew countless friends to him!

Marion is survived by his wife of 30 years, Pat Smith; his children Becky Crane Scanlan (Tim) of Newport Beach, Kate Smith Lee (Tim) of Nashville, Cindi Crane McGaughan (Pat) of Aliso Viejo, Murrey Smith of Nashville, and Mary Crane Martinez (Eddie) of Costa Mesa; and 9 grandchildren.

Memorial Gathering: Big Canyon CC, Sunday, Jan 5th, 2pm.