Gary Michael Smith

Gary passed away peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House the evening of March 10, 2025 with family members at his side. He had battled Parkinson's Disease for just under two years.

He was born to Alexander J. and Lillian G. Smith on September 29, 1950 in Bellingham, WA where he resided all of his life. He was the middle child between older brother Nowell Smith and sister Maureen Smith Haggen.

Gary graduated from Bellingham High School in 1968 and worked at various jobs until he began working at San Juan Seafoods in 1976. Trident Seafoods acquired San Juan Seafoods at some point and Gary continued working for them, eventually becoming their Maintenance Supervisor. He retired from there after over 30 years of employment in 2009.

In 1994, Gary married Mary Ann Cowles. Between them they had 5 children - Brian (Michelle), Christine and Jeffery Smith and Carrie Cowles Dougan (deceased) and Todd Cowles (Holly). At the time of his death, he had 9 loving grandchildren: Joshua, Zachary, T.J., Jordan, Aidan, Graham, Sara, Katie and Emma. He leaves behind brother Nowell Smith (Pat), sister Maureen Haggen, niece Rene Smith, great-niece Marlena Byers, niece Nicole (Tom) Gibbon, nephew Tyler Haggen and son-in-law Mike (Lynda) Dougan.

Gary was an avid fisherman and hunter for many years and loved the outdoors. He and wife Mary Ann also had a 20-acre farm in Custer and raised Black Angus cattle. He loved his animals and his tractor! He never looked more relaxed and content than when he could be on that tractor cutting hay!

Gary will be missed by many for his quick wit and willingness to help anyone!

A Celebration of Life will take place later in the spring with a private family gathering.