Obituary of Gary William Smith

Gary William Smith was born on March 5th, 1947 in North Platte Nebraska. He was raised by a loving family who gave him a great foundation, and attended Catholic school. After high school he pursued a medical degree, went Pre Med and attended 2 years of college while volunteering for hospice and working at a hospital. He had recently attended his 50th High School reunion and enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces and sharing stories.

In 1967 he joined the Navy. His career spanned 23 years and took him to many countries where he learned several languages fluently. He was mainly on Aircraft carriers and worked with Electronics, radars, and Helicopters. One of many assignments included Sky Lab III and recovering astronauts when they landed. He served in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. Gary was awarded several medals which include the National Defense Service Medal, FIVE Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Service Medal (One Star), Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Battle "E" Ribbon. Majority of his time was spent stationed at NAS Miramar with additional stations being NAS North Island and Point Magu. 

Some of his favorite things were watching Nebraska Cornhusker's football games on Saturday and attending his church where he became a Reverend on Sunday. In 1985 he began attending Spiritualist Church of the Inner Light in Los Angeles. In 1989 he found his Spiritualist home at First Spiritualist Church of San Diego where he had attended regularly. He was very interested in UFOs, big foot, Bermuda Triangle, and studied near death experiences, past life regressions, affirmations, vision boards, and guided meditation. He aspired to teach classes on these topics and more and spent a lot of time preparing to do so. He holds certifications in several areas including Toastmasters, Psychic Development, Universal Law, Law of attraction, Universal Healing Energy, Astrology, Reiki, and Theta Healing, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for his Church.

Gary was a kind, gentle, loving and extremely giving soul. I'm amazed how many people have shared stories with me of times he helped them. Whether it was to offer a place to stay, a ride somewhere, or lend his mechanical expertise to repair their car, he was best known for his giving nature. He always looked for the good in people. 

He always taught me to forgive everybody and most importantly to forgive myself. He taught me to trust but verify, that if something is good deal today it will be a good deal tomorrow, he taught me things that I use to this day and can attribute to all my good money habits and success. He taught me so many things. He was an amazing Father, and I am so proud to be his Son. I miss him every single day. 

He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family with love. He has been reunited with his Father Roy, Mother Judith Smith, Sister Linda, and pets and friends that he so looked forward to seeing again. 

Gary is survived by myself his Son Alexander Smith and Daughter in law Natasha Smith of Washington. His lifetime friend Kandy Kelly of California.  His Brother Allen, Sister Gloria, and multiple nieces and nephews of Nebraska, California, Colorado and Germany. 

Gary's Celebration of Life is on Monday December 3rd at 6pm at the First Spiritualist Church of San Diego located at 3777 42nd St San Diego CA and will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Miramar National Cemetery.

Funeral arrangments were handled by Legacy Funeral & Cremation Care.