Gary M. Smith

Our beloved brother, Gary Michael was taken from us too soon after a long illness on December 26, 2019.

As it was the beginning of the pandemic, we were not able to have a proper service for him then, until now.  So please, let’s remember Gary:

He was a super sweet, short and exceedingly funny guy growing up.  He was a quiet riot neither, he would do and say the craziest things to make you laugh out loud!  Nicknamed, “The Schnoze”, as he had quite a nose.  Or “Smizole”, or”Smizer”, they all fit the character he was.

In his youth, Gary was a fast runner.  He was on the “Pee Wee” football team as probably the smallest, yet the fastest player.  He competed at track meets for Tottenville H.S.  But what Gary loved most, was horses.

Even as a child, he would say, “I’m gonna ride the horsies”!  This ambition sent him to horse country in the Virginian foothills to learn first-hand on everything there was about race horsing.  Enticed by his best friends who had moved to California, Gary continued his pursuit in a career working with race horse trainers at Bay Meadows Racetrack in San Mateo, California.  His love for race horses allowed for his life to flourish.

There he fell in love and welcomed his daughter, Natalie.  He was overjoyed at being a father, and was also at the time living the “high life” of race track living.  Which got him into all kinds of trouble, until he found support in the Christian ministry.  While healing, he found much joy in singing Country songs and was exceedingly happy at re-connecting with his daughter.

He enjoyed automotive repair and became an electrician in his later years.  Upon returning to NY, Gary spent time caring for his mother and considered helping at a stable for therapy horse riding.  He still loved horses; sadly he was taken before he could do more.

He is survived by his daughter, Natalie Anne (Sheppard-Sakakihara) Ferguson (Monty Ferguson), grandson, Kailer & granddaughter, Athena, brother, Dean, sister, Nan Smith, Uncle John Owen & Mary, cousins, Stephen Owen & Heidi Owen.

We will always remember you well Gary for your wit, charm and hilarious humor.  Rest in Peace dear.