Emeritus, In Memoriam
Charles Roberts Smith was a native of New York state. His father James was an immigrant (~1885) from Scotland and his mother Mary Rosabelle Roberts was born in New York. The family moved to California and lived in Coronado in the San Diego area in 1930. Charles had two younger sisters, Bonita and Lois.
Charles and his wife Bettina A. Benton both received A.B degrees from San Diego State. Although older than she, he most likely met her on campus when he began his teaching career in 1933 as an instructor in Physical Education. She was active on campus and worked on the student yearbook staff.
They had two children, son Stuart and daughter Sharon. Based on the 1940 Census, both children were the same age, so it is likely they were twins.
Charles R. Smith had a long and distinguished career (1933-1966). Detailed information on his success as a player, coach and Athletic Director at San Diego State College can be accessed on Wikipedia.org. His career was diversified in that he began his career as an instructor and became Head Coach of both baseball and basketball. He also served as Athletic Director and was active in regional and national organizations in collegiate sports.
In his honor, SDSU named the home baseball field Charlie Smith Field at Tony Gywnn Stadium on campus. In 1992 Charlie was inducted (posthumous award) into the San Diego State Aztec Hall of Fame for his achievements as Baseball Head Coach (1934-64).
Charles and Bettina both died in San Diego, he at age 63 in 1969 and she at age 67 in 1980.
