Sufi Remembrance

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Born: September 29, 1936 URS: May 4, 2023.

Qutbuddin Loren Ruh Smith
Born September 29 1936 in Tacoma, Washington
Died May 4, 2023 at the age of 85 in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Mom Laura Lockwood, father Rufus Smith.
Grew up through high school in Arcata, California.
Eldest of 3 boys, brothers Bruce and Donald.
Loren kept several paper routes to keep food on the table for his family.
He finished high school and attended college to earn quite a few
credits over time.

First marriage in 1957 to Tranquil. First son, also named Loren, was
born in France where they were stationed in the army. 3 years of
military service during the Korean War. (1955-58) In addition to
working in a warehouse, Loren trained drill sergeants as a private
first class because, by being a professional singer, he knew how to
use his voice safely. He traveled frequently with a barbershop quartet
and entertained the troops.

After an honorable discharge in 1958, Loren moved his family to
Oregon, and finally settled in San Jose, California where his second
son, Colin, was born.

Met Bhakti, my mom, around 1968. They married a few years later and
continued to live in the Bay Area.

Early 1970’s added Qutbuddin to his name. Various meanings, but mostly
“axis or pivot of the faith”
Participated in the Cosmic Mass in San Francisco with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan.

Our home in San Jose became the Sufi center of the South Bay, and was
called Manzil Muhabbat. Q and Bhakti led Sufi dancing for several
years, and continued the tradition after moving to Grass Valley,
California.

Loved the mountains, worked with his hands, building, gardening,
raising goats, living off the land, walking in the pine trees.

Spent many years involved in men’s groups, supporting one another
through life’s ups and downs.

Various jobs over the years including working in Silicon Valley as a
systems analyst, programmer, and tech writer. He also sold solar
power, did landscaping, sold wood stoves, and worked as a roofer for a
while.

His son, Colin, died of AIDS during the epidemic in the 1980’s.

2010 moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to be with his son Loren,
grandchildren Jade and Grey, and his great grandchildren.

Member of the Desert Rose Sufi Center in Albuquerque.

Survived throat cancer.

Baptized recently at the Heights First Church of the Nazarene in
Albuquerque, where he would sing the Lord’s prayer in a clear voice.

Qutbuddin’s interests were many:

Writing poetry, reading, going to poetry readings, his proudest piece
of work was a poem titled “Vietnam Paradox” which requires three
people to read it. He published several books of his poetry.

Religious searching, being a spiritual leader in Sufism, remaining
curious, supporting others, maintaining an open mind and connection to
God

Being in nature, hiking, climbing trees, gardening, camping, talking
and singing to animals

Singing, playing with his voice, playing a drum, his glass pipe,
singing bowls, being in a choir

Working with his hands, wood working, building, refinishing furniture

Watching football, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles

Beer and wine, good food, any type of pie!

Being with friends and family

Survived by:
Son, Loren
Step-daughter, Kellie
Grandchildren, Jade, Grey, and Benjamin
Great-grandchildren, Jareth, Leila, and Finley
Brother, Donald
First wife, Tranquil

Pre-Deceased by:
Second wife, Bhakti
Son, Colin
Brother, Bruce

Submitted by step-daughter Kellie