Rip passed away peacefully at home in Hollister after a lengthy illness.
Rip is survived by his wife of 36 years Kathleen, son Christopher Smith (Jody) of San Juan Bautista, daughters Lisa Holifield, of Hollister and Cynthia Holthouse (Brian) of San Juan Bautista, his three grandchildren Grant Johnson, Salinas, Clint and Sarah Holthouse San Juan Bautista, brother Howard Smith Turlock, niece Dana Jackson, nephew Mark Smith, of San Jose.
He was preceded in death by his oldest grandson Cole Young in 2006 and sister Peggy Harris in 2009.
A cowboy all his life, he was a Lifetime Member of the Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Calif Reined Cow Horse Association.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Holthouse Ranch on July 10, 2011, at 2:00 P.M., 4800 San Juan Canyon Rd., San Juan Bautista.
Contributions may be made to the “Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund” 101 Pro Rodeo Drive, Colorodo Springs, CO, 80919.
