VIC PRESIDENT TO RETIRE SMEDBERG SAVORS MEMORIES OF SERVICE.

Byline: HOLLY J. ANDRES Staff Writer

WOODLAND HILLS -- Sifting through memories of his years as president of Valley Interfaith Council, Barry Smedberg doesn't haul out his resume's highlights as the most satisfying achievements of his 18-year career.

Instead, he cites the thank-you note from a blind man, the restored toothy grin of a mechanic and the tears of happiness over an unexpected Christmas present.

``Providing the little things, not just one moment or program, is what I'm proudest of,'' said Smedberg, who will be honored Thursday at a retirement dinner.

``People get caught up in the numbers, like how many people we're serving. When you volunteer, you don't realize that what you're doing really affects people. The best part is about a woman being happy because she hadn't received a Christmas present in seven years until she got one from one of our events. We need to get back to that perspective.''

Smedberg, who said he felt called by God to work at VIC, helped the Chatsworth-based nonprofit organization to expand interfaith events such as choir concerts, dialogues, the Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi Day commemoration programs and social services like Meals on Wheels, adult day centers and a senior center.

``Barry is just a deeply generous, good human being,'' said the Rev. Bob Bonnot, a senior vice president at the Hallmark Channel and member of the VIC board.

``He's a man of hope, faith, peace and service. His profound passion for the importance for positive interfaith experience has made him a great leader.''

Smedberg was born in New Hampshire, but his feet have been firmly planted in Van Nuys since his days at Hazeltine Elementary School.

His family joined Central Lutheran Church in 1955, and he and his wife Betty still attend services there.

After graduating from Van Nuys High School, Smedberg went to Panama and the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corps.

Smedberg served as executive staff and project coordinator for the late Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley. He was area director for seven years for Lutheran Social Services before joining VIC in 1988.

``Barry is the `interfaith ambassador.' He's been strong on fostering dialogue between faith communities,'' said the Rev. Wayne Christiansen from Faith Lutheran Church in Canoga Park. ``He's successful because of his optimism and his faith. Barry never despaired over where the funds would come from for a program. He's unbelievably networked and successful in getting business and faith leaders together.''

The success of VIC and religious harmony among the diverse faith communities in the San Fernando Valley is a paradigm for cities everywhere, Smedberg said.

``Someone asked me what I was going to do when I retired. I don't plan to retire because there are still needs to be met and hurting people to help,'' said Smedberg. ``A major component of what I want to do now is to promote Christ. That's important to me, but I still have passion for VIC. I'm also going to become an interfaith evangelist.''

KNBC (Channel 4) weatherman Fritz Coleman will host ``Toasting and Roasting Barry Smedberg,'' 7 p.m. Thursday, Hilton Hotel, 6360 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills. Tickets $125. Call [phone] or see www.vic-la.org.

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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(color) Barry Smedberg, here at the Central Lutheran Church in Van Nuys, is retiring as president of the Valley Interfaith Council. His VIC time will be celebrated at an event set for Thursday.

John McCoy/Staff Photographer