Gregory Allen Smith was born on Vashon Island on March 28, 1936, and passed away at home on July 16, 2009 with his family at his side. He was the beloved son of Delbert and Mae Smith of Burton, WA. He lived on Vashon for many years with his wife Sue and their three daughters, Casey, Kelly and Connie. Greg was a Jaycee on Vashon for many years, serving one term as president. He will be remembered for his organizing of the B-52 Bomber flyover of the parade route during the Strawberry Festival, scaring the wits out of all in attendance! He worked at Boeing for several years before becoming a baker at Lloyd’s Vashon Bakery where he acquired a love of baking. Greg loved to bake fresh breads and rolls and even sparked a family tradition with the annual sweet and frosted “Christmas Rolls”. He began his career with the Atlantic Richfield Company in 1967. Greg retired while living in Reno, Nevada in 1983 for medical reasons. In the summer of that same year, he and Sue moved to Morton, Washington to be near family and friends.
Greg found real passion in making people happy with his music. He enjoyed playing the banjo in a variety of musical groups, his favorite being the Whatzernames, with Wally Boyles. They performed at senior centers, retirement and nursing homes in Lewis County. Everyone, young and old, enjoyed listening to them play! Greg also enjoyed spending time traveling with his wife, whether it be a short jaunt to town for lunch or a cross-country road trip.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Helen (Sue) Smith; daughters Casey Gifford (Tony), Kelly Goodman; and Connie Smith (Marshall); sisters Laura Mae Wojciechowski and Joanne Blevins; brother Lee Smith; granddaughters Crystal, Arianne, Justine and Lauren; grandsons Conner and Kyle. His sister Betty Plancich preceded him in death.
At Greg’s request, a private family gathering will be held in lieu of funeral services. Remembrances can be made to Assured Hospice whose services provided peace and comfort in Greg’s final days. Assured Hospice, 1821 Cooks Hill Road, Suite 200, Centralia, WA 98531.
(paid obituary)
