March 4, 1922 - June 9, 2005.

Wyoming native, civil engineer and former heavy construction executive, Vincent O. Smith passed away in Walnut Creek.

Born in Sheridan, Wyoming, V.O. was proud of his Wyoming heritage. An honors graduate of the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Vince served five years in the army corps of engineers before he returned, using the GI Bill, to finish his education. In 2000, he was named to the University of Wyoming Engineering Hall of Fame, in 2003 he was designated by the University as a Distinguished Alumni.

His long and successful career started in California, where he worked for the California Division of Highways. His projects, as a design engineer, included the Candlestick Park Cove Open Water Fill, Highway 80 from Carquines Bridge to Oakland, and the McArthur Freeway through Oakland. Vince became President and Chairman of Gordon H. Ball, Inc. and was involved with projects like the Bay Area Transit system (BART), Washington D.C.'s WAMATA which included Union Station and the Watergate to the Pentagon Tunnel under the Potomac River, the Tehachapi Tunnels, Vandenberg AFB's Shuttle Launch Facility, excavation for the Third Powerhouse at the Grand Coulee Dam, 75 miles of the San Luis Canal, the wharves at Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors, and others.

An avid golfer, Vince had memorable rounds with Arnold Palmer, Miller Barber, Bruce Crampton, Lionel Hebert and Freddie Mann.

Recent philanthropic activities include providing educational support to disadvantaged students at University of Wyoming, Wells College, Sacred Heart Nativity School, Santa Clara University, Our Lady of Grace Nativity School, St. Isidores and St. Bernard Catholic School.

Predeceased by first wife Ann, husband of Rosalie, brother of Tiny Smith and Rita Wolff, loving father of Kathleen Smith, Mark Smith, Barbara Mount, Sallie Kinser and Cindi VanDorn, grandfather to Brian, David, Matthew, Annie, Niki, Mandi, Stacie, Allie and Katie.

Mass of Christian burial Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. St. Isidores Church in Danville. Interment to follow at Oakmont in Lafayette.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Nativity School, 310 Edwards Ave, San Jose, 95110 or St. Bernard Catholic School, 1630 62nd Ave, Oakland, 94621.

San Jose Mercury News - Jun. 12, 2005.