Gary R. Smith

Gary Robert Smith, 61 of St. Michael ND passed away at his home after his long battle with illness with his loved ones by his side. 

Visitation will be held at Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Fort Totten on Monday, December 12, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Antony Samy celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the spring at the Riverside Cemetery, rural Sheyenne ND. 

Gary Robert Smith was born on April 22, 1961 at the Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, the son of Edward “Eddy” and Darlys (Holland) Smith. He lived with his parents and siblings in Washington until 1969 when the family moved to North Dakota.

Gary lived with the family on the Spirit Lake Nation where he went to school and worked for a time.

Gary was united in marriage to his dear Roberta Robertson on May 30, 1986. They were the proud parents of four sons Emerson, Evan, Gary Jr. and Stephen and Gary was also was happy to have a daughter Lanessa.

Gary and his family, lived in Vaughn, Washington for several years. Gary worked as a foreman in a local lumber yard. While his sons were attending school in Vaughn, Gary eagerly worked as the 5^th and 6^th grade basketball coach. He was so proud to coach his boys. In the late 90’s the family moved back to North Dakota and Gary again worked as a manager at a Fargo lumber yard until its closing, then he worked in maintenance at a Sisters of Mary of the Presentation facility. In about 2005, the family moved to the Spirit Lake Nation and lived in Fort Totten, Tokio and at the time of his passing the family made their home at St. Michael ND.  Gary worked for the Spirit Lake Tribe in several different areas, including as a Bus Driver and coaching middle school basketball. 

Gary always worked hard to care and support his family. He treasured anytime he spent with family and friends. When he had a little free time, Gary enjoyed fishing and remained a basketball fan his whole life.

Gary is survived by his wife and best friend Roberta; sons Emerson Smith, Evan Smith, Gary “Woody” Smith Jr. and Stephen Smith; daughter Lanessa Yankton; grandchildren Brinyana Smith, Morley Whiteshield, Kaylee Thompson, Carter Smith, Phoenix Smith, Avery Smith, Dante Smith, Orion Smity, Jordon Smith, Kale Demarce and Julian Demarce and other precious grandchildren; siblings Douglas (Marcy) Smith, Sandra (Dean) Malzahn, Alexander D. Smith and Teresa (Josh) Bohl; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Laura Robertson, Jean Robertson, Matthew Robertson and John Robertson; many nieces, nephews and their families.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, niece Monica Grace, in-laws Emerson and Lorraine (Lambert) Robertson, Marty Robertson, Burton Robertson, Jeremiah Crow, Julie Robertson and Delia Romona and other aunts, uncles and cousins.