Matthew Smith Jr of Watsonville, CA walked on to the spirit world heaven to be with his Lord and Savior while surrounded by his daughter and loving family by his side. It was after weeks of hospitalization, that Matthew unexpectedly left us.
Born July 11, 1973, Matthew Smiley Smith Jr; born to Luana Padilla of Watsonville, CA and the late Matthew Smith Sr. of Fort Totten, ND. Matt proudly carried both the names of his dad and his paternal grandpa Hehatka (Elkhorn) Smiley Smith of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation of Fort Totten, North Dakota. He was a proud tribal member who traveled back and forth throughout his years residing and working in and around his home reservation area. He grew up and attended school years in Watsonville and in later teenage years, he lived and was also educated in Yuma, Arizona.
Matthew is survived by his loving daughter Cassandra Smith; his mother Luana Padilla; stepdad Ismael Padilla; brothers: The Smith boys: Johnny, Dwayne, James Calvin, Daniel Smith all of Watsonville, CA and older brother Eli Smith of Devils Lake, ND; Sisters: Tara Fox of Devils Lake, ND and Paz Smith of Watsonville, and friend Michele Keith of Watsonville. He is also survived by his loving Hernandez family: four aunties, seven uncles, and maternal grandpa, all of Watsonville, CA; 26 first cousins and several second cousins, nieces and nephews and cherished friends.
Matthew was known for his sensitive spirit and loving kindness. He was good to everybody around him and un-afraid of meeting new friends and being kind to strangers. He always had a warm smile and joke to tell and made us all laugh and feel good about ourselves. He was the brother with the “Heart of Gold”. As a child he experienced a strong intuitive advanced form of knowledge. He loved Checkers and Chess matches, Rocky and Jon Claude Van Dame movies, and as a teenager he stole dancing moves from Bobbie Brown. Our little Chepa brother enjoyed eating his delightful foods and piñata candy. He also enjoyed Sunday school ventures and Bible stories. His greatest joys in life were receiving his “18” money and the birth of his daughter Cassandra and spending time with family. We will always forever love, cherish and miss him. We are proud of you for hanging on to prayer Matthew. We say thank you for the time we had with you. Doksha Ake’ Tibdo (We’ll see you again brother)
Matthew reunites with his dad: Matthew Smith Sr, Paternal grandfathers: Eli Smith, Smiley Smith (Hehatka), Stephen Hoksina (Ironowl), Grandpa Chief Edward Ironbear (last band leader of Big Bear Band); Paternal Grandmas: Mable Ironbear; Mary Always Day; Maternal Grandma Antonia Patino; Brother: Brian Charles Smith; Aunties: Marina Hernandez and Bertha Smith; Uncles: Isaac Smith, David Smith Sr, Daniel Smith (Passed in infancy), Moses Smith, James Calvin Smith Sr, Samuel Smith.
Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
