Gary has gone home!

On Thursday, March 26, 2020, Gary Leroy Smith, loving father of two children and grandfather to five granddaughters, passed away at the age of 78.

Gary was born on February 6, 1942 in Bend, Oregon, to Luther and Beulah Smith. He was married on June 4, 1964 to Helga, his loving wife for 50 years. They raised daughter Michelle and son Curtis. (Granddaughters, Brittney, Emily, Amanda, Bethany and Sonia.)

He was preceded in death by his wife Helga and survived by his children, granddaughters, sisters Barbara, Bonnie and girlfriend Mary, who filled his life with dancing, after the passing of Helga.

Gary loved his family and enjoyed celebrations with them more than anything. He served his country well in the military where he met Helga in Germany. Gary had a great attitude and if you can think it you can do it! He proved that by self-teaching himself German by watching German television. He worked at IBM for many years until he retired. He could not just sit still after that and worked in security, worked for the Indian casinos repairing slot machines. The man could learn and do anything.

When he moved on from that career, his son Curtis needed help with four girls. Gary and Helga stepped up to the challenge. The granddaughters could always be assured of never being left alone and home cooked meals on the table while their dad was out providing for his family.

Services are limited to a few family members as is being done during these trying times. He knows you care for him.

Hey Dad, it’s us dad, just wanted to tell you that we miss you bad!

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Gary Smith’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.