Gary Lee Smerdon

1933 - 2017

Gary Lee Smerdon July 24, 1933 - September 19, 2017 San Diego Born in Rockwell City, Iowa, in 1933, Gary moved to Pacific Beach at the age of 12. He graduated from La Jolla High School in 1951. The next four years were busy attending San Diego State in the R.O.T.C., marrying his childhood sweetheart Diane Chisholm in 1953, and welcoming daughter Julie in 1954. All the while Gary continued working as a printer for the family-owned McKinnon-Smerdon local newspaper, North Shores Sentinel. After graduating Gary joined the Air Force and trained as a jet fighter pilot. Their son Doug was born in 1960. Gary pursued a career in commercial aviation and was hired by PSA in 1965. He flew as a captain for PSA and USAirways for 27 years. He retired in 1993 and enjoyed boating, fishing, restoring antique cars and vacationing with family. Unfortunately the last few years Gary suffered with Alzheimer's. He passed away peacefully on Sept. 19 with his family by his side at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Diane, his daughter Julie (Steve), son Doug (Cindy), five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, and five nephews. A private family burial was held September 26 at El Camino Memorial. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We want to thank the kind caregivers at ActiveCare Mission Bay, especially his primary caregiver West for making his last year more comfortable.