Gary Richard Smith Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Gary Richard Smith, age 82, died on April 17, 2015, in Provo, Utah. Gary is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rita Palmer Smith, of Brigham City, Utah, and his children, Andrew (Amy), Paula (Ben), Jamie (Andy), Maren (Danny), Stephen (Crystal) and David (Logan). He is preceded in death by his parents, Alma Gibson Smith and Maud Bodell Jensen Smith of Pocatello, Idaho and his sisters, Betty Jean and Bodell, and his brothers, Alma Gibson (Smitty) and Donald William. Gary was born on October 20, 1932, in Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated from Idaho State College in 1954 with a degree in Business, then served an LDS mission in California. In 1956 he began three years of service in the U.S. Army. Gary loved learning and spent his life teaching others. He taught high school for several years and concurrently worked on his master’s degree. In 1967, he earned his doctorate from the University of Idaho and began teaching at Utah State University. Two years later, he began teaching at Brigham Young University. In 1972, he met and married Rita Ann Palmer. In 1984, they moved to Laie, Hawaii where Gary taught at BYU-Hawaii and established the Hotel & Restaurant Management program. After 13 wonderful years there, he retired and moved back to Provo, Utah where, in 2003, he and Rita served a two-year LDS mission at the Missionary Training Center. Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 3180 North 300 West; Lehi, Utah on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 11:00 am. A viewing will be held prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:30 am. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life. The family would like to thank all those who have provided flowers, food and kindness.

Gary Richard Smith

October 20, 1932 - April 17, 2015