Gary Dean Smith

On May 25, 1936, in a small town located in the southwest Ozark Mountains, Gary Dean Smith was born to Howard & Hazel Smith and was blessed to have an older brother, Larry. When he was eleven years old, his family moved to Brawley, California. It was there that he became a high school football star and met the love of his life, Uthana.

They were married as soon as they graduated and began to sprout their family the following year with the birth of their first son, Howard. Four years later, along came Susie and a move for the family to San Diego, California.  Three years after that, their family was complete with the birth of Rodger.

Gary began working in his father’s service station at a young age and eventually became the owner of one himself. He then went on to work in Real Estate and Industrial Sales.

Gary was a stand-up guy. He had a strong moral compass and lived with integrity. He was always fair and had a solid work ethic. He was never intimidated by the size of the job, never afraid to get his hands dirty, and always did what was needed to be done.  At all times strong and our family’s “Superman!”

Gary always seized the opportunity to share his stories of what it was like growing up in the South and witnessing the horrible discrimination and injustice to people of color. It was his experiences so vividly retold that pierced our hearts and souls and made us compassionate and embracing of diversity. Sharing those memories was a true gift bestowed upon us which made us far better people than we would have been otherwise and for that we are most grateful.

Gary was blessed with a creative mind. He was a talented artist who enjoyed crafting beautiful sculptures and paintings. He also secretly enjoyed writing.

Gary had an adventurous spirit, he loved to travel and was fortunate to have had the opportunity to explore the world with his wife, family, and friends. From walking the Great Wall in China to hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Being around Gary was always sheer joy – there was always a lot of fun to be had. He possessed a great sense of humor and made us laugh harder than anyone else. He would assemble talent shows and showcase hilarious acts, do impressions, and tell the best jokes.

Halloween was always a fun time at the Smith house. Uthana’s talent for fashioning costumes is amazing but it was Gary that would come in as the closer and bring to life the character with his incredible make-up artist skills.

Gary loved anything chocolate and every candy imaginable. He never met a hamburger he didn’t like or a soda too warm to drink. He had a real fondness for movies and music, and he grew up hunting and target shooting which developed his passion for guns.

The Smith Family summer road trips were epic. Gary would derive great pleasure from mapping out the routes, all the destinations, camping grounds, sights to be taken in, museums to be explored, and family to visit along the way. Memories that last a lifetime were made from those journeys.

Beach parties, Colorado River canoe trips, Catalina, camping at Cacatillo, holiday celebrations, family parties and BBQ’s, all things that were special to Gary’s heart. It is no secret that he could not cook but come summer, he could make the meanest Banana Split you have ever tasted.

Gary was a member of Eastern Star including serving as the presiding officer, Worthy Patron, he was a Master Mason, and a past Lion’s Club member.

The memories that are most near and dear to Gary’s children’s hearts are those with him and his grandchildren and now their wives and children. He was always playful, loving, and devoted (attending sports games, plays, recitals, concerts, graduations-you name it and he was there); the best grandpa a kid could ask for.

Gary’s life journey was not always easy, but like a cat, he had nine lives. He survived many unfortunate accidents and medical issues and treatments. Yet he never faltered or gave up, he always rose up and overcame whatever difficulties he was faced with and never complained about the challenges or looked for empathy.

The Smith home has always been a place that welcomes everyone to visit, gather, and share love and good times. Gary & Uthana created a sanctuary for the soul; it is peaceful, all accepting, non-judgmental and a place where you can be yourself and receive unconditional love.

It was Gary’s love and sacrifice for family that defined him most. He loved them passionately, deeply, and completely. He was always there for them, giving validation, and mentoring with a gentleness and helping hand.

One of the greatest gifts Gary gave to his family was loving his wife, Uthana. He did so with such devotion, affection, and tenderness. They were married for 65 years and that love rendered everything beautiful and safe, secure and serene. The impact and difference that made was not only a great example of how to live a committed and loyal life, but it also created a powerful influence for future family generations. Abraham Lincoln once said, “The greatest thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Gary was blessed with a great life, wonderful family, but most of all, a love and connectedness to so many people that can never be broken.

Gary, God has called you home and now it is your time to rest, rest well God’s angel.

You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Your legacy of love and kindness to each of us will continue for generations, as we will go on, following your extraordinary example.

We love you Gary!

*A Celebration of Life will be postponed until the pandemic makes gathering safe.