Gary Ross Smith passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side on November 29th, 2014.
Gary was born in Miles City, Montana on December 29th, 1944 to Larry H. and Dorothy Smith. Being the youngest and the only boy, he was very well cared for by his two sisters, Vera McCurley and Anne Hix.
Gary Graduated as salutatorian from Rosebud High in 1962. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following basic training, he was sent by the US Air Force to Syracuse Universities ROTC program to learn to speak and write in multiple languages, graduating as valedictorian. He left the service in 1966.
After a break he decided to enroll in the University of Montana graduating in 1971, with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Immediately following, he had the honor of moving to Virginia to begin his journey with the CIA specializing in Intelligence. During this time Gary was able to reside and work at the US Embassy in both Italy and Bahrain.
In 1974, Gary moved back to where it all began, Rosebud County. He spent the next 31 years as an employee at the Western Energy Mine in Colstrip, where he gained many friends who he would consider his family.
In 1967 Gary married his love, Justine Plympton. To this marriage, they were blessed with two boys, Larry R and Lincoln T. Smith.
Gary married Linda Cartwright in 1974 and to this union Jeremy Smith was born. Gary also gained 2 boys that he would always hold dear to his heart, Brent and Brady Berdahl.
In 1980 and the next 33 years, Gary and Linda Friesz settled and became a blended family, adding three more children, Lad Butler, Christine Butler Correa, and Bobbie Butler May, whom he loved and considered his own.
Gary was blessed with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to Gary’s own family he felt like a parent to all who were blessed to be in his presence.
Gary was a man of few words, but somehow was able to say so much to everyone who crossed his path. Gary will be missed by many and loved by all.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Larry H. and Dorothy Smith and his wife, Linda Smith. He is survived by his two sisters, eight children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to a memorial fund in Gary’s name at First State Bank of Forsyth. Funds will be used to add handicap accessibility to the grandstands at the Forsyth Football field in his memory.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth , MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 3, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 2, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Ln
Forsyth, MT 59327
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday December 3, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth , MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 3, 2014
Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Joan leinwand says
Sending my condolences. Will miss seeing Gary at the home.
Debbie Anderson says
Kelsey, I am so sorry to hear this about your grandpa. He was always so kind. Keep your memories close & know that he is with your grandma now. My thought & prayers are with you.
Cathy Byron says
I always enjoyed a visit with Gary. Our last chat was a lengthy one in the middle of Park Street and 12th Avenue North. He was heading back to the nursing home in his wheel chair after watching one of the grandkids play ball at Riverside Park. Our visit covered lots of ground – Hotcher and Kristine in the same class, the loss of Linda and learning how to live without a spouse, and simple conversation about the weather, mosquitoes and life in Forsyth. He always struck me as a kind of philosopher who took life in stride. A gentle man, I will never forget the handshake we parted with that evening. He is Home now, and given a choice would not come back to this side. No pain, no wheelchairs – just joy and reunions with loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you kids. Hugs to each.
Dave Lloyd says
Sorry to hear of Gary’s death. We were good friends growing up. Always had fond memories of those Rosebud days.
Wayne Olson says
I remember Gary as a very pleasant and kind person. We had some fun times during our school days. Sorry to learn of the passing of an old friend and classmate.
Bill Dean Holmes says
Goodbye Gary…. you were always a friend. A wonderful friend. Sorry for the families loss.
Dennis Hubbard says
RIP Gary, a classmate, friend and Air Force buddy. You will be missed.
Grace Larson says
My sympathy to all of Gary’s family . I know he was lost after Linda’s death . The last time I saw Gary was at Linda’s funeral . They had many health related problems and shared them together . Thankfully , he was there for Linda and they will be together in Paradise .
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Gary’s family,
We are very sorry to learn of Gary’s recent passing. He was one of a kind and will truly be missed by his family, friends, and the communities of Rosebud and Forsyth. We are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Linda & Matt says
So sorry for your loss Bobbi & family. Now they are together again & pain free 🙂
Gracie Ann Waples Hill says
Always a kind man. I remember cute stories about when he was a little boy living up Cherry Creek—and he had his “imaginary friend” —he achieved much in his life. Most of all his family….blessings.
matt fenner says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You all are in my thoughts. I have many memories of Gary, from a baseball tournament in Broadus to him and Linda walking Nathan and I out on the football field for senior night. It is truly an honor to have known him.
Damien Brockel says
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Thoughts and condolences to all family members and friends. A great man, indeed.
Tim Rusdal says
I’m sorry to hear of the loss, but also have some of great memories growing up and spending a lot of time at the Smith house where everyone was welcome. We probably caused more trouble than we should have, but it was always in good fun and made for lots of laughs. I remember those days well and thank Gary and family for all that they did. I believe we are all better people for knowing Gary and the time he spent with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
WALT LLOYD says
Gary was a classmate of my brother so I have always looked up to him. My condolences to his family.
Leona Penner Zaharko says
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Even though Gary was older than I in school in Rosebud, he was always pleasant to be around.
Angelo Correa says
It was an absolute pleasure to have met my Father in Law name Gary “Papa Bear” Smith. The most laid back individual I’ve ever met. You will be missed! Don’t worry about anything now Papa, everything is ok.
Mike Ferguson says
Sorry to here about Gary’s passing my condolences to the family.