Gary Robert Smith

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend.

September 24,1941-July 24, 2025

On the cold, frosty day of September 24, 1941, Gary Robert Smith was born to the parents of John and Wilma Smith in Chicago, IL. Shortly after his birth, the little family of three relocated to Culver City, CA. Here, after WWII, a younger brother and two little sisters were born.

As a youth, Gary spent many summer days at the beach navigating the ocean waves and mastering the art of surfing.

In 1957, the family moved to Garden Grove in Orange County. Gary attended high school here and graduated in 1959. He then attended Orange Coast College where he earned his AA degree in Tool and Die. This education proved to be invaluable to him in his later life.

Gary was drafted into the US Army and served from March 26, 1964 to March 23, 1966. While stationed in Vietnam, he served in the illustrious Company B, known as the prestigious “Big Red One”.

After his military service Gary forged a long career at Boeing. It was here that he met his loving wife Janet Woodcock. The two were married on December 4, 1970. They had two children; daughter Kristine and son Robert.

Of all of Gary’s many interests, none were more intoxicating than his life-long love for the desert. Whether he was conquering the sand dunes or racing up the hills in the desert, Gary’s passionate appreciation for his Husquvarna and dune buggy fueled his soul. It was where he felt most alive with his cherished family and friends.

After 45 years working as an electrician at Boeing, Gary retired in 2011. He and his precious wife Janet then moved to Lake Havasu, AZ. Here Gary could be closely connected to the desert every day, and attend car shows to his hearts content.

After a year of recovery from a fractured femur and heart complications, Gary died peacefully at age 83 on July 24, at his daughter’s home in Wildomar, CA. surrounded by his loving family.

Gary’s brother Jim (J’Nice) Smith preceded his death. J’Nice currently lives in TX. He is survived by his wife Janet of 55 years, daughter Kristine (Kevin) Wilson, son Robert Smith, grandchildren Evan, Ainsley and Ian Wilson, sisters Carol (Jerry) Moreland and Cathy (Ralph) Draeger, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Gary’s death creates a vacuum inside the lives of all those who loved him. He will be remembered for his jovial, fun-loving personality, his free spirit, his tenacious work ethic, his passion for the desert and his love for his family and friends.