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Gerald Smith Obituary
Gere was born on March 22, 1938, and grew up in Boone, Iowa. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in 1961, Gere moved to California where he had the good fortune to work at several noted landscape architecture firms. While living in San Francisco Gere met Sara Beth Clark (Sally), his beloved wife of 59 years.
In 1965 Gere began his teaching career at the University of Illinois. In addition to teaching he also completed his Master's degree. He joined the faculty at Utah State University in 1968, teaching there for 12 years. He moved on to become Department Head at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. As Department Head, Gere was instrumental in developing the Off-Campus Study Program for landscape architecture students. He also created several scholarships and mentorship programs for students through his relationships with public and private practitioners. Gere retired from Cal Poly in 2001.
Gere was active in many national Eduction and Accreditation Boards. He was honored to receive several national and international awards for his contributions to Landscape Architecture. In 2001 he was named Fellow in the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Gere loved nature and outdoor activities. Following his passion for bicycling, he completed a ride across America after his retirement. He collected pledges from well-wishers to benefit scholarships for Cal Poly, Utah State, and University of Arizona landscape architecture students. He also had a love for travel and enjoyed meeting people from different countries and cultures. Gere and Sally traveled extensively in Canada, Europe, and Australia, making many lifelong friendships.
They retained a love for the mountains of Northern Utah and acquired a cabin in Logan Canyon where he and Sally returned every summer until 2018 to spend time with their many Cache Valley friends. Gere had a talent for drawing, sketching and painting. He enjoyed all mediums of his craft. His prolific artworks grace the walls of his home.
Gere is survived by his wife Sally; his son Garrett (Wendy), San Luis Obispo, and daughter Allison (Donnie) Bamburg, Bakersfield; grandchildren Ahmee Smith, UC Santa Cruz, Dasan and Addison Bamburg; his sister Janet (Richard) Maynard, Grand Junction, Colorado; three nieces and their families, Denver, Colorado.
A Celebration of Life to be announced. If you wish to plant a tree in Gere's memory, you may go to: www.alivingtribute.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Smith
2 Entries
Ed Tischbern
April 13, 2023
My condolenses to Gere's family and friends! He remained a super nice and personable landscape architectural department head and instructor while at call Poly SLO. He always had time for a smile and to make everyone feel at ease individual and as a class as well. In fact his smile and positive outlook appeared to always lift everyones spirits no matter the occation. Gere also acted as my senior project advisor with excellent incites and guidence. Back at SLO in the late 70's and into early 80's I remember a bit about all the people encirling him as his staff and students (ie Wanda, Alison, Roger, Walt, Dick, Gary, Joe, jon, Jerry, Dale, Astrid,etc. ) He also helped add the program semester abroad possible in Denmark and Italy which really boardened the cultural aspects. He hosted many a project or field trip. Loved the mountains, nature and bikes, etc. He helped make the world a better place and I hope his next great adventure is enlightening....
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Brad and Rosie Johnson
April 12, 2023
We extend our love and deepest sympathy for your loss. We are grateful to have been taught about landscaping at our cabin in Logan by the best and it is a honor to know Geri. Sending our love.
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