Gary was born in Longview, WA on May 16, 1936. He was an only child, raised in Rainier, Oregon. He had many school friends which he cherished. Gary was married young, and quicky divorced after being drafted into the Army and spent two years in Alaska. After his service, he moved to Seattle to work in the steel mill before following in his father's footsteps as a longshoreman at ILWU local 19. Gary married again briefly, and adopted children Bill and Desiree. Gary bought his home in Shoreline, and loved taking the kids on camping and fishing trips on the weekends. Gary met the love of his life and married his devoted wife Shirley in July of 1974. The two were blissfully married for 49 years. Both retired in early 2000's and they enjoyed traveling together and spending time with their two children and four grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Smith; his son Bill Smith; and his daughter Desiree; his granddaughter Fatima, his grandson Garron, his granddaughter Mariel, his granddaughter Ally and his great granddaughter Marcela.
A funeral service for Gary will be held Monday, December 11, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, WA 98155, followed by a committal service at 2:00 PM.
