Cal Edward Smith

October 28, 1967 – June 9, 2023

MECHANIC – EARTH ANGEL – DOG WHISPERER

Cal was a very gifted mechanic who loved all things automotive. He was a total motor head who had more pictures of cars than of people! He often knew what was wrong with your car before you could finish explaining what the problem was. He helped so many people get back on the road and was more than fair with what he charged. Most people who started out as a customer ended up being a friend. That’s just who he was.

Cal didn’t only fix cars. He could fix a bad day with his smile and infectious laugh! He loved people very deeply and unconditionally. He knew what you needed when you needed it and gave it selflessly. Countless people who Cal has taken care of in some way have come forward to express their loss. He always gave much more than he received. He wasn’t a man of many words, but he was a man of his word. He always made things feel safer and better.

Anyone who knows Cal knows Lady. Before Lady it was Missy. And before Missy it was Bear. Cal’s dogs were always so uncannily trained. They would just hang out with him while he fixed cars and were his constant companions wherever he went. We used to call them the neighborhood greeters because they’d walk up and down the street saying hi to everyone but never tried to run away. One very fond memory is of Cal driving around in his little red truck with Missy sitting in the passenger side. They would both look both ways in unison and then take off!

This is just a snapshot of who Cal was and what he meant to us. A beautiful light has been taken from our lives. Cal will forever be loved, missed and remembered.

A celebration of his life will be held at Rip’s Bar, 3045 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016 on Sunday, July 9th at noon.