John Smith, affectionately called Jack or Limey, passed away peacefully March 20 at his daughter Ali’s home in Vacaville, Calif.

He originally was from Battersea, London.

Along with many other children, he was evacuated out of the London area during WWII. When he was a young man, he did a stint in the Royal Air Force, participating in the Berlin Air Lift.

Eventually, he made his way to his late sister Tessa’s farm in North Dakota. After a few cold months, he migrated to California, making his way to Fairfield, where he began his career as a volunteer firefighter. He became a regular fireman after a few years, and ended his first career in 1984 as fire marshal of Fairfield.

After that, he pursued his dream of living on San Juan Island, Wash., and became a building inspector there, as well as a fire commissioner. He lived on the island for many years before moving to Anacortes.

He is survived by his children Ali Smith, Chris Scott, and Theresa Vincent, and his sisters Pat and Molly in England.

He is also survived by Lori Maul, the daughter of his longtime partner, Cindy Latimer. He will be missed.

His private memorial reception will be held Friday, April 4, in the Old Firehouse in Fairfield, Calif., now a restaurant called “Crepes N More.”

A sit-down dinner and fine wines will be supplied by the family. Other beverages will be available to purchase. We ask that you wear a crazy pair of socks as an homage to Jack.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please R.S.V.P. with Christopher Scott, (707) 688-3868, if you wish to attend.

— Family of Jack Smith