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Gary 'Bear' Smith
Gary 'Bear' Smith
March 19, 1942 - October 10, 2005
Born March 19, 1942, Gary 'Bear' Smith passed away in a tragic plane accident on October 10, 2005. He was 63 years old and leaves behind, among many family and friends, his loving wife, Karen.
He was an experienced pilot having flown over 300 combat missions with the Navy during the Vietnam War in 1967 and 1968 and served as a Blue Angel in the early 1970s (flying the F4H Phantom). He was a test pilot for McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft, and most recently a certified flight instructor in Nevada County.
Bear's interests, in addition to his love for flying, were powerboat racing, serving as the navigator/timer for his wife when they raced their Mustang, and enjoying their siberian huskies together.
Bear enthusiastically embraced life and had a presence about him rarely seen among men. He was loved by family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers alike and was known for being a man who had a genuine interest in others and inspired others to be their best.
His memory lives on through the many lives he impacted during his lifetime.
The Blue Angels in 1972 with the McDonnell-Douglas F-4J Phantom II.
Gary 'Bear' Smith is on the right.
Here are some selected highlights from the online Celebration of Life Guestbook that hint at the kind of person Bear was:
"I can not think of one quality that more completely defines the quality and caliber of a person than attitude, and I would conservatively rate Bear’s attitude as world class. There was never a problem too big to tackle or any person too small for him to not take an interest in and make that person feel world class." - Rick Etem
"...the Navy always looked for sustained superior performance in its leaders. That's what Bear and Karen both proved through the years. They cared about others, the team, the company, whatever they were doing they put their best. You can't fake that year after year, and you can't fool that many people...Bear lives on in all the people and projects he has helped." - Scottie Beeler
"Bear was the kind of friend who made you feel that once you had met him you felt like you had known him your whole life...I will forever be inspired by how he lived his life, and loved and honored his precious wife, Karen." - Frank Corah
"I think he remembered every one he ever met, and knew what they did...Bear made you feel so at ease no matter who you were, everyone felt he was a part of their family." - Harris Schurmeier
"I have never met a finer gentleman, a greater friend, or a more inspirational leader then Bear." - Peter Reed
"Bear inspired you – whether you knew it or not. Whether you wanted to be inspired or not." - Scott Smith
"Whenever Bear and Karen walked through the door, with their huge smiles and big hugs, I always felt life is good-because there are people like Bear and Karen in it." - Karen Koskey
"Bear and Karen Smith...are two of the most inspiring and amazing people I have ever met. Bear is a great man who made a profound impact on every person he came into contact with and he will be missed. I dream to be the kind of man he was!" - Wade Carman
"Every time anyone met Bear and spoke with him, they left feeling better about themself." - Kevin Doyle
"What a great person he was with his huge smile and always something good to say about someone.... I learned very quickly that Bear had a great sense of humor and was always laughing about life in general." - John Spencer
"You didn't meet Bear - you experienced him!" - John Bush
"He was always excited about the next adventure." - Fred Hamilton Jr.
"Not often in life do we encounter individuals whose charisma forever affects our own existence...we appreciate the honor of experiencing his presence, his personality, and his love for life." - Mike Blyden
"Bear's presence inspired all who experienced him. As I finished my private, he gave me a 'Bear shake' and said 'Now you have a license to learn.' This impact and mentorship fired the desire to further my knowledge and abilities." - John Shelton
"Bear Smith is one of finest men I have met...I have never heard him make a negative comment about anyone and have always been impressed with his positive attitude.His airmanship has always been first rate and his skills as a chase pilot unequaled. The world has lost a great soul, aviation a great pilot and I a good friend but we are all so much better for Bear Smith having been here." - Ken Graeb
"Always a man of honor, his handshake was better than a 1,000 words and revealed his integrity." - Barb Carman
"Rarely in life do we come across a person that is so unique and wonderful that their image and spirit remain with us for the rest of our lives. Bear Smith was such a person. His laughter, smile, and optimistic outlook on every aspect of life are the attributes that separate Bear from the rest of us.... I can honestly say that I never knew anyone who was so jovial and full of enthusiasm for life as he was. Not once did I ever see him angry or upset. He was always a pleasure to be around and to work with." - Doug Moss
"He always kept our spirits up when obstacles came our way." - Shauna Denaple
"He had the unique ability to lead without ascerting his command and nobody ever doubted who was in charge." - Barry McCarthy
"Bear had a way of making you feel as if you were the most important person around." - Leslie and Mike Classman
"[Bear] was truly a great man. He was always cheerful and sincerely cared about people. He greeted everyone with a big smile and a warm handshake. When he talked to someone, he was interested in what they had to say, and was never distracted. He was gentle and kind with other people’s feelings; he never belittled or reprimanded anyone. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and those who spent time with him were uplifted by the experience...Bear was a leader. A hero. A friend. He taught us about human excellence through example." - David and Carol Connell