Gary Smith, 86

Gary Smith, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 28, 2025. Born on Feb. 20, 1939, in Whitefish, to Thelma and Elmer Smith, Gary lived a full and active life surrounded by family, friends, and the Montana landscape he loved so dearly.

Gary grew up with a passion for horses and competed in O-Mok-See events with his favorite horse, Gold Dust. A 1957 graduate of Whitefish High School, Gary was a standout athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track. After graduation, he joined the National Guard and soon married his high school sweetheart, Ann Hutchinson. The two shared 58 loving years of marriage. Ann passed away in December of 2015.

Gary attended the University of Montana on a full-ride football scholarship, where he played as a fullback and linebacker for the Montana Grizzlies. He later completed his degree in physical therapy at the Mayo Clinic. His career began in Murphy, California, but his heart brought him back to Montana's Flathead Valley, where he worked as a dedicated and compassionate physical therapist for 40 years.

Gary was a man of many passions. He loved horseback riding, fishing, bird hunting, golfing, and cheering on the Grizzlies. He was a proud resident of Village Greens, where he built strong friendships, played golf four times a week, and enjoyed regular cribbage games. In 2019, he proudly notched his fifth hole-in-one. He was also honored with induction into the Whitefish High School Hall of Fame in 2011. 

Gary is survived by his daughters, Tracy Freeman (Bruce), Tami Barrett (John), and Toni Fischer (Craig); his grandchildren, Lindsay Feil (Ben), Bryce Fischer, Dani Merfeld (Matt), Lacie Barr (Wes), Kacie Barrett, and Jackson Barrett; and his great-granddaughter, Leighton Feil.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Village Greens Community Center in Kalispell. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and share their memories.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary's memory may be made to Hospice Enhabit Cares Foundation of Kalispell. Checks can be mailed to 42 Bruyer Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Gary's life was filled with love, laughter, and loyalty. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.