Gary H Smith

Gary Howard Smith, 74, a 30 year resident of Johnstown, Colorado, passed away on January 14, 2015, at Longmont United Hospital in Longmont, Colorado. He was born February 9, 1940, in Iowa City, Iowa to Howard L. and Norine (Stevens) Smith. He grew up and attended schools in Iowa City and was married to Linda Lippincott in 1961. They moved to Longmont, Colorado in 1962, and had two children, Gary C. and Lonnie L. They later divorced. Gary married Ruth Montes in Manila, Philippines in 1988.

Gary was self-employed in a radiator repair business in Longmont for several years. He also worked as an aircraft painter for Combs Aircraft in Denver. In his younger days, he had a passion for cars, especially his 1969 Mach I Mustang and 1970 Chevelle. Many hours were dedicated to keeping them in show room condition. He was an excellent mechanic and was always there for friends or family who needed help with their cars. Over the years, his health declined and he eventually spent his time tinkering in his garage and gardening, which he enjoyed very much. Gary treasured many years with his faithful dog, Bubba.

He struggled with diabetes for most of his life but had a strong will and determination that kept him independent. He was very innovative and continued to amaze his family with the many “fix-it” projects he completed. His sense of humor was always evident and if you were a friend you were a friend forever. He was a true patriot and very outspoken on his political views.

He is survived by his wife Ruth, Johnstown; mother Norine Fowler, Loveland; sons Gary C. and Lonnie, Longmont; grandsons Jacob and Joshua Smith, Longmont and Zachary Smith; brothers Stephen Smith, Loveland, Robert (Cindy) Smith, Arizona; Mark Smith, Johnstown and sister Marilyn (Harold) Block, Loveland. He is also survived by his step-siblings Dana Kraft and Debbie Raney, Fall City, Nebraska; Diana Gilliland, Texas and Dean Fowler, Montana as well as several nieces and nephews and a special uncle Richard Smith, Pekin, Illinois. Gary was preceded in death by his father, stepfather Tom Fowler, grandparents, and two nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 19 followed by funeral service at 10:30 a.m. both at Stoddard Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado, 80634.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.