Alander Leon Smith

Alander was the fourth child born to the union of Ozell Smith and Blanche Smith on November 30, 1954 at The Japanese Hospital in Los Angeles, California. As a child he was rambunctious, inquisitive and clever in thought. He attended Russell Elementary School, Charles Drew Middle School and John C. Freemont High School where he forged many lifelong friendships. Alander excelled in mathematics and pursued interests in applied health for respiratory therapy and a certificate program at the Control Data Institute. He also had a love for music and travel, later combining these interests to establish Macaw Productions where he managed artists to perform at venues like Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica.

As he grew into young adulthood, Alander often thought outside of the box and made courageous decisions that countered the standard norms of society. These courageous decisions lead to unconventional success in entrepreneurial endeavors but also resulted in the confines of incarceration. During this time, Alander developed the onset of Parkinson’s Disease which he would fiercely battle for years to come. Despite physical impairments, he maintained a strong spirit, agile mind and full heart due to the support of those who truly loved him.

Alander is most remembered for his generosity, intellect, charm, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He believed in educating thyself in order to educate others and was a proponent of black culture and holistic health, well before it was a trend. It is our hope that the lessons he taught in his 66 years of life will be internalized and passed on to others by family, friends and loved ones.

One of Alander’s biggest accomplishments was becoming a father and his indelible spirit will live on through each of his children and future generations to come. He is survived by his son’s Alander Smith II and Solomon Smith; daughter’s Alana Smith, Zavi Smith and Zakiyyah Smith; grandchildren Taj Smith-Carroll, Jaxon Smith and Nia Smith-Carroll; and his sister’s Norma Smith and Zelda Bryant.

Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, support and expressions of kindness during this period of bereavement. We are assured of God’s unwavering love that will nurture and uplift us all individually and collectively during this time and beyond.