Obituary of Gary Allen Smith

Gary Allen Smith

December 12 1938 – September 19 2023

Gary Allen Smith, 84, of Springfield Oregon, passed away peacefully with family by his side on September 19, 2023. He was born December 12, 1938, in Eugene, Oregon to Carl and Leona Smith. He married his loving wife, Joyce Marie Smith on May 10, 1958.

Both his parents, His wife Joyce and one son Rodney Allen Smith precede him in death.

Surviving is daughter in law Barb Smith of Springfield and his four sons Howard Smith (Kathleen) of Springfield, Carl Smith (Patti) of Springfield, Mitchell Smith (Cathy) of Mountain Home, Idaho, and Kevin Smith (Brenda) of Springfield.  He was also survived by his brother, Ronald Smith. Gary had 13 grandchildren, Chris, Andrea, Kati Sue, Jake, Zane, Eileen, Megan, Kenzie, Levi, Tiffany, Brady, Brittany and Connor as well as 15 great grandchildren.

He was a long-time resident of Springfield Oregon where he lived closely with his large family. It was there that Gary and Joyce together built a cattle ranch in the Mohawk Valley producing Limousin cattle and hay, as well as owner of Office Equipment Company for 60 years.  He was a long time member of Eugene Executive Association (EEA) and a lifetime member of the Springfield Elks, and a longtime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and member of the Lane County Livestock Association.  Gary was a dedicated sponsor of Lane County 4-h helping with the annual livestock youth auction. He enjoyed numerous yearly hunting trips with his sons and friends, spending time in elk camps, and enjoying the outdoors. Gary had many passions throughout his life, one as a K-boat runabout racer in the pacific northwest, where he was on the water in a fast boat chasing the checkered flag for over 15 years. It was there he was crowned as the American Power Boat Association, Western Divisions Champion.  Also Gary was a fan of Nascar.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Camp Harlow, followed by a private graveside ceremony at Valley View Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary, and you are invited to sign the guestbook at Musgroves.com.