Gary I. Smith

Gary I. Smith, 76 of Evans passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2014 at his home. Gary was born December 13, 1937 to Ivan Roe and Marie Smith in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He was the second youngest of seven children. His mother died when he was 2 ½ years old and they went to live with an aunt and uncle, then they were in and out of several orphanages, and finally when he was 10 years old he was placed in a foster home with Henry and Hazel Berg. He had found a home at last; they offered love, security, discipline, and taught him the virtues of working hard to succeed in life. He was a good worker and helped all the neighbors whenever they had a need. He graduated from Yuma Union High School in 1957. On Christmas day, 1958, he met Loretta Jane Allen on a blind date. They were married May 24, 1959. Gary was and always will be a farmer. He was never happier than he was when he was farming. He farmed until 1976, when he sold the farm and moved his family to town. He and Loretta built a bowling center, Indian Lanes, in Yuma in 1979, which they operated until 1988. They then sold it and moved to Greeley. He worked at Fort St. Vrain until it converted to Natural Gas, then went to National Hog Farm in security until his health began to fail. He was diagnosed with COPD and was on oxygen for the rest of his life. He couldn’t sit still, though, so he went to work for Ehrlich Motors as a driver, where he stayed until January 1, 2013 He is preceded in death by his parents; his foster parents, Henry and Hazel Berg; 6 sisters and brothers, and several other dear friends and relatives. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years; sons, Wade R. Smith, Jay Dee (Loree) Smith, and William “Bill” Smith; grandchildren, Alex, Erin (Eric) Hungenburg, Drew (Alexa), Tyler, Joshua, Jessalyn, Brayden, Camden, Macie, Gracie; and his first great-grandchild, Tate Marie, along with many friends and relatives. A memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 S. 11th Avenue in Evans. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Northern Colorado.

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Gary I. Smith

December 13, 1937 - July 6, 2014