Smith, Gary M., 1943-....

Smith was a naturalist, park service ranger, environmentalist, a muscian and a writer. His book, The windsinger, was the basis for and Emmy-winning documentary.

From the description of Gary Smith papers, 1960-1984. (Utah State University). WorldCat record id: 21944020

Gary Milton Smith was born in Payette, Idaho to Milton F. Smith and Lillian Ruby on March 15, 1943. He attended Idaho State University and then Utah State University where he graduated in 1967. During the summers and after graduation, he worked in the national forests and parks. Smith married Lillian Francuz on July 4, 1969 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, but later divorced in 1981. In 1969, he also enlisted in the Marine Corps where he attained the rank of captain and remained on active duty until 1972. Smith was a talented photographer, songwriter, outdoor advocate, and musician, as well as a passionate outdoor and environmental advocate. Smith died on April 7, 1988 and is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.

From the description of Gary Smith photograph collection, 1960-1988. (Utah State University). WorldCat record id: 695161620

Gary Milton Smith was born on 15 March 1943, in Payette, Idaho to Milton F. and Lillian Raby Smith. He attended Idaho State University and Utah State University. He graduated from Utah State University in 1967 and began graduate school the following year where he pursued his degree in Outdoor Recreation, specializing in Environmental Public Affairs. His thesis involved the production of a slide and film promotion presentation on the Mt. Naomi Wilderness Area. In the summer during his university education, as well as after his graduation, Gary worked as a forest ranger, naturalist, and various other positions in national forests and parks.

On 4 July 1969, Gary Milton Smith married Lillian Francuz in Idaho Falls, Idaho. That same year he joined the Marine Corps where he attained the rank of captain. Gary remained on active duty until 1972. As a Marine, Gary served in Quantico, Virginia where he worked as the Associate Editor of the Marine Corps Gazette, was the Special Projects Officer at the Basic School, and designed an exhibit on the Basic School and combat photography. He also served as the Public Affairs Officer in Okinawa, Japan. He graduated from the Department of Informational Defense School in 1970. In 1972, Gary received a Presidential Commendation for outstanding military service.

One of Gary Smith's occupations was as a song writer. He wrote music and lyrics for songs which he used in his jobs with the National Forest Service and his work as an environmentalist. In 1975, Gary published a book about his songs entitled Windsinger . One of his songs, "Dick's Song," was used by CBS in a 60-Minutes program concerning Lake Powell. Gary along with Robert Redford and representative of the Environmental Defense Fund took part in his program.

In 1975, Gary stopped his graduate school training after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. He continued, however, writing articles for magazines and newspapers on environmental and social issues. He became active in the Multiple Sclerosis Society, playing benefit concerts on behalf of the organization. In 1979, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society awarded Gary Smith the Patient Achievement Award for his region. Gary also served on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities for the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1980, he was recognized as Conservationist of the Year by the Bridgerland Audubon Society, and in 1984, he was given the Bridger Award for Outstanding Service to Conservation by the Natural Resources Department at Utah State University.

In 1981, Gary Smith went back to graduate school and received his Master's of Science in Recreational Resource Management in 1984. His thesis was entitled, "The Mystery Song: A Walk with Masawe." That year he and Lillian divorced. Four years later, on 7 April 1988, Gary Milton Smith died. He was buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.

From the guide to the Gary Smith Papers, 1960-1984, (Utah State University.)

Gary Milton Smith was born in Payette, Idaho to Milton F. Smith and Lillian Ruby on March 15, 1943. He attended Idaho State University and then Utah State University (USU) where he graduated in 1967. During the summers and after graduation, he worked in the national forests and parks. Smith married Lillian Francuz (they divorced in 1984) on July 4 1969 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. During this year he enlisted into the Marine Corps attaining the rank of captain and remained on active duty until 1972.

Smith was a talented photographer, songwriter, outdoor advocate, and musician. He was as well a passionate outdoor and environmental advocate. This collection reflects the level of interaction, connection, and his commitment to promoting this cause. In 1975, Smith published an autobiographical book about his life entitled Windsinger. This same year Smith was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and discontinued his graduate studies. He continued to write articles for magazines and newspapers on environmental and social issues, however, and he eventually resumed his studies receiving his Masters of Science in Recreational Resource Management in 1981. His thesis is entitled, "The Mystery Song: A Walk with Masawe." Smith died on April 7, 1988 and is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.

From the guide to the Gary Smith photograph collection, 1960-1988, (Utah State University. Special Collections and Archives)