Anaheim Hills Auto Body has been an Orange County establishment since its founding in 1978 by Henry Smith. Henry was soon joined by his two sons, Patrick and Robert. It is the eldest son, Patrick, in whose memory this tournament has so humbly and lovingly been dedicated.

On March 17, 2006, Pat was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, or as it is known in the medical profession “A-L-L”, a term that those close to Pat would learn to hate and fear as the days unfolded. A disease usually visited upon children and whose prognosis is relatively successful for them, proves to be quite formidable and often insurmountable for adults.

Pat was about to turn forty-six years old, owned a successful and growing business, shared his time with a loving wife and three children as well as an extended family that thought he was just about as good a friend and relative as anybody had the right to expect. He diligently obeyed his doctors, subjected himself to the chemotherapy, the racking pain, the loss of hair and the constant pressure of being at the mercy of the overwhelming beast known as cancer.

Eighteen months would ebb by and Pat would have some all too brief moments where he appeared to be winning the battle. However, it was not to be. Volumes of crying, praying, anger and all-out despair were of no consequence to this opponent; with impunity it continued down its path of destruction. November 14th of 2007, Pat’s medical team announced to friends and family that the struggle had been to no avail; we had lost.

The leukemia had reached his brain and no hope remained. The days left were but a handful and were to be dedicated to his comfort. The next four days would see his devastated family and friends stand by with their hearts in their throats as Pat would slowly and peacefully surrender his life in the late hours of the 17th of November, 2007. The void remains yet today as a constant reminder of our loss.

This memorial golf tournament is being conducted by Pats’ family and friends as well as some incredibly kind and generous sponsors with the great expectation that the proceeds, which will go to City of Hope for leukemia research, may give some added speed to finding a cure and prevention to this hideous disease. If all of our efforts can save just one family from the torture that is cancer, we will all be a huge success.

With loving gratitude,
The Smith Family.
The Family and Friends of Patrick H. Smith