Gary Levon Blacksmith

Gary Levon Blacksmith passed away suddenly on September 18, 2003, in Springfield, OR. Gary was born November 11, 1965, in Hoopa, CA, and lived most of his life in Hoopa.

Most recently in Springfield, OR, as a hot shot firefighter. He was a member of the NASA Search team participating in the search for the shuttle “Columbia” debris in parts of Texas. In the past year, he had traveled to Canada, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, and Oregon, fighting fires.

He was a carpenter by trade and very good at what he done.

He was a very lovable person and always had a big smile and a hug for those he loved. He loved his children so much. Even though he spent a lot of time away from them, he always kept in touch.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Larry “Corky” Blacksmith; uncle, Gilbert “Gillie” Marshall; grandparents, Ruth Bachman and Ira Cushman.

He is survived by his mother, Shirley E. Blacksmith; sons, Gary, Jr. of Hoopa and Joseph of Redding; daughter, Jessica of Redding; sister, Ruth Ramirez of Victoria, TX; brothers, Michael Abbott of Anspot, Germany, Floyd Abbott of Springfield, OR, Dewayne Abbott of Hoopa, Larry Blacksmith of Eugene, OR, Jerry Blacksmith of Cottage Grove, OR; grandparents, Elizabeth and Levon “Monty” Montgomery of Willow Creek; aunts, Ethel Ruth and Alme Allen of Hoopa and Orleans, Joanie and Wally Williams of Willow Creek, Estelle and Paul Zinda of Auburn, CA, Charlotte and Frank Record of North Carolina, Barrie and Mike Péna of Hayfork, CA, Marie Thorton of Nebraska, Cheryl and Colin Pole of Hoopa; uncles, Dennis and Shirley Cushman of McKinleyville, Danny and Linda Cushman of Happy Camp, CA, Daryl and Debbie cushman of Nebraska; best friend, Rebecca Campbell of Hoopa; and best buddy and close cousin, Rick Davis of Nice, CA.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 27, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. at Baptist Church, Hoopa, with Pastor Bruce Pratt presiding.

Pallbearers are Dean Davis, Rick Davis, Johnny Guiterrez, Gene May, Johnson Colegrove, Dennis Jackson, and Wally Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Abbott, Floyd Abbott, Dewayne Abbott, Larry Blacksmith, Jerrry Blacksmith, Gary Blacksmith, Jr., Joseph Blacksmith, Alme Allen, Dennis Cushman, and Dexter Donahue.

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