Gordon Smith, 77, passed away quietly and peacefully at home in Blue Diamond with his wife, Mary Hager, by his side. He was born in Tropic, Utah and resided most of his life in Las Vegas. He graduated from Rancho High School in 1962. He attended Nevada State University - now known as UNLV. His brief stint in the Army as a medic during Vietnam instilled in him a great love for home and country. He trained and worked as a barber for over 60 years following in his father’s footsteps.
Gordon lived a very full life: each day lived positively and with a gentle touch. He was soft spoken and ready to help at any opportunity.
Gordon was the son of Clora Pollock and Barton Hardy Smith. He was preceded in death by sisters, Lavonda Birrell and Corrinne Sloan. He’s survived by his wife Mary Hager, children; Michael Smith, Gina Dow and stepson David Hager, grandchildren; Anthony Rovetti, Christopher Ashcraft, Zachary Smith and Kylie Coykendall. Step grandchildren; Lilly Charles and Ethan Crossman as well as a great grandson; Jayden Stephenson. He is also survived by his sister Shaunna Mitchell and his constant companion since childhood, Bruce Long.
One of Gordon’s many passions was to participate in and judge Chili Cook-offs. He judged many events and took home a trophy for Nevada State Champion in 1986 after cooking in the World Chili Cook-off in Terlingua, Texas in 1984. He also initiated the charity cook-offs benefiting the Nevada Association for the Handicapped.
Gordon had great civic pride. He was a member of the Las Vegas Strip Kiwanis Club for 48 years. During his time in Kiwanis he served as Secretary and as Treasurer for over 30 years. He participated in many charity events and was very active locally as well as internationally through Kiwanis.
Gordon also worked with Mary at Desert Birkenstock as the Manager of the Repair Department for 25 years. He designed, repaired and made custom Birkenstocks and attended many pedorthic events.
He was an avid cook. Many events were held at Gordon and Mary’s home over the years with good food and even better friends.
Gordon loved to fly fish and shared that love with his son and grandson. He spent many hours with his friends and family in Nevada and Utah waterways practicing catch & release.
Gordon was a gentle, sweet man who will be very much missed by family and friends.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to
The Gordon Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund
Make check payable to:
Kiwanis Club of Las Vegas Strip Foundation
PO Box 55
Blue Diamond, NV 89004
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