Frederick W. Smith Jr., lovingly known as “Rick,” passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 11, 2026.
He was born on September 8, 1953, in Lindsay, California, to Fred and Joan Smith, the oldest of eight. He grew up in Orange County, California, graduated from Mater Dei High School in 1971 and Cal State Fullerton in 1976. He went on to earn his law degree from Western State University, College of Law in 1981 and passed the California Bar in 1982.
That same year, Rick opened his law practice in Oakdale, California, where he faithfully served his clients and community for 42 years.
On May 19, 1973, Rick married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth “Betsy” Bonkowski, celebrating 53 years of love. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, adventure, and unconditional love. Rick and Betsy have nine children and are blessed with 24 grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy, and their children:
Shawna (Scott) Gotreau, Lindsay (Jeff) Runnels, Amy (Arturo) Gallegos, Nathan (Casey) Smith, Matthew (Courtney) Smith, Luke (Alicia) Smith, Meghan (Ryan) Masellis, Paul (Caitlin) Smith, Thaddeus “TJ” (Lindsay) Smith.
Rick was deeply involved in the Oakdale community throughout his life. He served as President of the Oakdale Swim Team and was a member of the Oakdale Dinner Club, Oakdale Golf & Country Club, Oakdale Sportsman Club, and Lions Club. He also volunteered his time as a Youth Court judge and loved serving for Spirit of Oakdale.
A devoted man of faith, Rick was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale. He and Betsy retired to San Luis Obispo and became parishioners of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in Morro Bay.
Rick especially loved traveling with Betsy and their children in the family motorhome. He always preferred the road less traveled and every trip created treasured memories and reflected Rick’s love of adventure, family togetherness, and experiencing life fully. He loved both the desert and the ocean, abalone diving, motorsports, and racing. He spent many hours at the race track with his boys and more recently cheering on all his grandkids.
Rick will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous heart, unwavering devotion to his family, and the steady presence he brought to everyone around him. His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply and the countless lives he touched.
The Holy Rosary will be recited on Thursday, May 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, 962 Piney Street, Morro Bay, CA, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.
A reception will immediately follow at the Parish Hall.
Private interment will be held thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Builders or Word on Fire Catholic Ministries.
The Riverbank (Calif) News
The Oakdale (Calif) Leader
May 20, 2026
