John K. "Jack" Smith Jack passed away peacefully at St. Rose Hospital, Hayward Aug. 15, 2008. Predeceased by his loving wife, Lottie. Survived by his devoted daughter Cynthia, son-in-law Rob Birmingham, adored grandchildren Alanna and Jack, his great friend and companion, Alice Burgren and legions of loyal friends throughout the Bay Area. Born on October 18, 1926, Jack attended Markham Grammar School where in kindergarten he met his best friend, Dick Warren. A member of the Hayward High Class of '44, Jack joined the Army following graduation and served in the Philippines as a Commander of the Philippine Scouts. On return from service, Jack graduated from Stanford in 1949 and began his studies at the University of California Hastings College of the Law. After his second year he was again called to duty, this time into the Korean Conflict serving in the European Theatre. Upon his return Jack completed law school and joined the Hayward law firm of Haley, Schenone, Tucker and Birchfield which later became Haley, Purchio, Sakai and Smith. Jack began his law practice representing local ranchers and farmers in eminent domain proceedings as the State freeway system was constructed. Jack represented many of those same clients over the years in obtaining zoning for their properties' ultimate development. He loved the art of the deal. In 1955 Jack married Lottie Verzic, who grew up in Hayward just a few blocks from his family home. They had one daughter, Cynthia. A public school art teacher, Lottie fostered Jack's interest in both modern art and travel. Sadly, Lottie died in 1979 two days shy of their 24th wedding anniversary. A life-long Democrat, and following in the footsteps of his mentor, John "Uncle Johnny" Geary, Jack entered politics and eventually became the First Elected Mayor of Hayward in 1966. From that time on, Jack reveled in campaigning for those of a like mind - even a few Republicans. One of his proudest moments came this last year when his dear friend, Nancy Pelosi, was elected Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. It was also through politics, the Hayward Democratic Club in particular, that Jack first met Resti Zaballos. Resti and the Zaballos family became partners of Jack's and their friendship and achievements were always a great source of pride to him. Jack also took great pride in his Hayward heritage, his family, his law practice and his law school. He was committed to his community. At the time of his death Jack was the President of the Board of Directors of Hastings, a Founder and President Emeritus of the Martin C. Kauffman 100 Club of Alameda County, a General Chairman of the Oakland Christ The Light Cathedral Campaign, President of Sheriff Plummer's Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association and a member of the Board of The Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service And The Common Good at the University of San Francisco. Jack also was a past Vice Chair of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Board of Directors, a member of All Saints Catholic Church, Hayward Rotary and a long time member of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Board of Directors. Jack and Lottie were justly proud of their daughter, Cynthia. Like her father, she also attended Hayward High and Hastings, becoming a partner in Jack's law firm. Cynthia married Rob Birmingham whom Jack liked and appreciated from the day they met. "Poppa Jack" had two grandchildren, Alanna Kerwin and "Jack", who were the light of their Grandfather's life. Jack lived for his friends and a great party. He loved traditions, New York, Rome, jazz, evening drives in Cull Canyon, Jack's Restaurant in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo, good wine and of course his annual birthday celebrations. It was through pure determination that Jack overcame several health setbacks in recent years. To that end, the family extends special gratitude to those at the Mayo Clinic who made those years possible, in particular Drs. Doug Gracey, Bernie Morrey and Eric Edell and locally to Dr. Cal Lemon of San Ramon Valley Hospital and Drs. Verbinski and Garcia and their ever caring staff at St. Rose Hospital. Warmest thanks and love also go to Alice Burgren, Jack's "soul mate" who first met him in class at Markham School and who was unyieldingly loyal through his last years. A Rosary will be held on Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:00pm at All Saints Church, 22824 2nd Street, Hayward. A Mass in celebration of Jack's life will be offered up at All Saints Church on Tuesday, August 19th at 10:30 am. Entombment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers any remembrances would greatly be appreciated directed to a charity of your choice or one of those dearest to Jack: The Oakland Christ of Light Cathedral Campaign, The John K. "Jack" Smith Scholarship at Hastings College of the Law, or The Leo T. McCarthy Fund at USF.