Don Smith ’52, a legendary figure in the Central Valley farming community, a long-serving University of the Pacific regent and a devoted supporter of his alma mater, died July 3. He was 95.

Smith graduated from College of the Pacific in 1952 with a degree in business. While at Pacific, he met and married his life-long partner, Wendy Hammond '52. The couple were together for 68 years until her passing in 2019.

Known for his steadfast integrity and vision for the university, Smith served on the Board of Regents from 1984-2006. During that time, he helped guide the university through pivotal decisions.

“Don Smith has had a lasting and important impact on our great university,” said Pacific President Christopher Callahan. “His dedication shows through the hard decisions he had to make, the opportunities he forged for our students and his unwavering embodiment of Pacific values. He is truly a Tiger for all time.”

Smith remained deeply involved with the university throughout his life. He established two endowed scholarships and a program fund in support of participants in the Stauffer Undergraduate Summer Research program, the Center of Entrepreneurship and community outreach programs, and scholarships for undergraduate piano students.

Smith was also a passionate supporter of Pacific Athletics. He helped create “the Casaba Club,” which supports the men’s basketball team and provided generous gifts for the Janssen-Lagorio Gymnasium and a forthcoming student-athlete and sports medicine center. Smith was a member of the 1851 Society, which acknowledges the university's highest-level donors, and was an active member of the Pacific Athletic Foundation.

Smith wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty—literally and figuratively. Former Pacific President Don DeRosa recalled Smith coming to the Stockton Campus dressed in boots and coveralls, having come straight from his farm to consult on university matters. 

“Don was right in the middle of it. We would meet at the executive committee of the board, and Don would pack up from whatever he was doing in his boots and coveralls—just right off the field—and just roll up his sleeves,” recalled DeRosa while being interviewed on Smith’s legacy. “Don so perfectly exemplified the mission of Pacific of preparing students for lasting achievements and leadership in their careers and community.”

Among his many contributions, Smith played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Pacific campus. He was a guiding voice in the creation of the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center, refusing to accept a design that didn’t reflect the university’s character, telling the architect: “What you're producing is a cross between an airport terminal building and a John Deere tractor agency—and I don't think either one belongs on the Pacific campus.” His insistence on a design that reflected Pacific’s identity left a lasting architectural and cultural legacy.

Smith also faced difficult decisions as a regent, including the fate of Pacific’s football program. A longtime supporter of Tiger football—he sold season tickets in 1950 to help fund construction of Amos Alonzo Stagg Memorial Stadium—Smith ultimately recommended the program’s discontinuation when it became financially unsustainable.

“I consider myself fortunate to have had a relationship with Don. It’s hard to express how deep of an impact his thoughts, stories and words of advice are on me and on Pacific Athletics,” said Athletic Director Adam Tschuor. “He was the inspiration for bringing back the Casaba Club, and I am grateful for his support in ensuring that the tradition of supporting student-athletes continues forward.”

Throughout his tenure, Smith was known for the way he listened, considered and drew on his vast experience and genuine care for the university to guide his decisions. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Medallion of Excellence in 2022 in recognition of a lifetime of service and dedication.

“For more than 40 years Don was a dedicated member of the Tiger family,” said Board of Regents Chair Mary-Elizabeth Eberhardt '76. “Passionate about the success of our students, our athletics programs and the advancement of our great university, Don’s leadership on the Board of Regents helped transform Pacific for the benefit of generations of students.”

Outside of Pacific, Smith was a leader in the agricultural community. The Turlock, California-native was the second-generation co-owner of Turlock Fruit Company, which his father started in 1918. The company is one of California’s oldest commercial producers of cantaloupe and honeydew.

Smith grew and marketed melons for more than 60 years and held numerous leadership roles in the industry, including president of the Western Growers Association, director of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and as a member of the California Melon Research Board.

Don is survived by his three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist in Turlock. 

To make a gift to Pacific in Don's memory, please pacific.edu/Makeagift or contact Scott Biedermann Scott Biedermann at 209.946.2166 or sbiedermann@pacific.edu.