The Old Blog in the Desert

At age 94, my Uncle Ozzie was the last man standing of his childhood family. He was born March 1, 1925 in Pepperwood, California to Iva (Amen) and Harry Smith, who had a total seven children, though I never knew exactly where he fit into that total.

The last time I saw him was at the memorial for my Aunt Barbara, whose husband, my Uncle Adam was Ozzie’s younger brother, in December 2013. The one thing I will always remember about Uncle Ozzie was his sense of humor and his unwavering work ethic.

Uncle Ozzie lived his entire life in Humboldt County until being drafted into the US Army at the age of 18. This happened in 1943 and before completing his senior year at Fortuna High School.

He went on to served in the South Pacific during World War II, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Following the war, he was honorably discharged and he returned to Fortuna where he lived the remainder of his life.

Shortly after coming home, he met Aunt Jo Ann (McLure) and the two married in June 1947, having recently celebrated 72 years together. They owned and operated Bob’s Foot Longs, for nearly 40 years until they retired.

It was one of my favorite places to visit when I was a kid, and I always liked the story behind how the restaurant came to Humboldt County. Bob’s started out in Los Angeles as a small corner concession stand owned by Bob and Lula McLure and was towed to Ferndale for the county fair in 1950.

Later it was moved to 13th street in Fortuna, before being handed down to daughter and son-in-law, Joann and Ozzie Smith. The current Bob’s was built a block south in 1967, next to the Fortuna High.

At least that’s how I recall the story…

My deepest condolences to my cousins, Mike and Debi, who were adults before I was born, and who I doubt would remember me. Know that your dad will be missed by many.

Finally, thank you Ozzie, for teaching me how to milk a cow.