Honoring Pete Smith and His Contributions to the Bolinas Community Land Trust
Pete Smith in Bolinas, 2023.
Last week, Bolinas lost a true pillar of our community, Peter Smith.
Pete wore many hats in this world: trusted contractor, Bolinas Fire Captain, surfer, fisherman, sailor, board shaper, mentor—the list is endless. But above all, he was a generous man who gave endlessly to the people and places he loved.
Pete made a lasting impact on our efforts at the BCLT. Pete poured his time, expertise, and heart into so many of our projects and homes. He built our first new construction home on Overlook, oversaw the renovation of a family home on Aspen, led volunteer teams at our first homeownership properties with Habitat Greater San Francisco, and transformed our first independent homeownership opportunity on Cedar Rd.
Pete’s larger-than-life personality, unwavering dedication, and boundless generosity left a mark that will forever shape this community.
Our hearts are with his beloved wife Dana, their family, and all who knew him. In all we do, in all we build, we will do our best to carry Pete’s legacy of a steadfast commitment to building and holding community close with love and gratitude.
Thank you, Pete, for everything.
Pete Smith with BCLT former Managing Director, Evan Wilhelm at the site of our first affordable homeownership opportunity offered in partnership with Habitat Greater SF.
Sunday morning, our community came together to honor Peter Smith in a way that reflected the love and respect he inspired in all of us. With an escort from Bolinas, Stinson, and Point Reyes Fire, Pete was carried out of Bolinas through roads lined with neighbors, each paying their heartfelt respects to the remarkable mark he left on our lives.
It’s moments like these that reveal the very best of Bolinas—a place overflowing with love, support, and unwavering connection to its people.
It was a beautiful and tender reminder of why we do the work we do, and why Pete did what he did.
It’s always been a heart thing.
If you would like to support Pete’s family during this transitional time, a GoFundMe has begun here. Please share widely and give what you can.