Gilbert Hastings Smith, 75 of Shell, Wyoming, left this world in the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept 19, 2021, due to complications of pancreatic cancer.
The son of Floyd K and Marjorie Heim Smith Gil was born on May 28, 1946 in Greybull.
Gil spent his early years on the family ranch on Horse Creek, east of Shell. He attended elementary school in the two room red school house in Shell, where the foundations were laid for his life long love of learning. He transferred to Greybull Middle School in sixth grade and graduated from Greybull High School in May of 1964 as Salutorian of his class. He earned his Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming.
Gil returned to the family ranch on Trapper Creek for several years, during which time he married former classmate, Helen Jade Kimbell, in February of 1975. The couple moved from Shell to Laramie, where Gil earned his MA in Art History and Creative Writing. During that time, their first son, Christopher, was born.
The family returned to Greybull, where the couple sold Boise Cascade pre-manufactured homes and Gil assisted his wife, Jade, in running her photography business.
The family moved to Billings in the early 80's, where Gil earned a second masters degree in Special Education. While in Billings, their second son, Adam, was born.
Following graduation Gil accepted a job in Cody, where he taught until 1994, when they returned to the ranch on Trapper Creek.
Gil became a certified Lay Pastor Associate (LPA) through the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Montana Synod in May of 2006, and served in the area at both nursing homes as well as preaching in Peace Lutheran in Basin, The Shell Community Church and the First Presbyterian Church in Greybull.
Gil fought a lifelong battle with mental illness, and became a strong advocate through the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), serving a term as Wyoming state president of the Wyoming branch.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd K. Smith Sr. and Marjorie Heim Smith, his father-in-law, Harry Kimbell and uncles: Jack, Henry and Chot Smith and Pete and Mac Heim
Gil is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jade Kimbell Smith; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Christopher - Eugene, Ore; Adam and Khadjar – Shell; grandson, CJ – Eugene, Ore; granddaughter, Tajia -Veneta, Ore; his brothers Floyd Smith Jr – Bonnie Bluejacket Nursing Home, Basin, and John Smith – Cody.
Services were held at the Shell Community Hall, Shell, Wyo., on Tuesday, Sept. 28., with burial in the Shell Cemetery.
In lue of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Shell Community Church Mission Fund, (P.O. Box 74, Shell, WY 82441)
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