Garr Smith
August 27, 1937 – July 14, 2025

Garr Smith, 87, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of July 14, 2025.

Born in Ogden, Utah, to Willard and Golda (Hipwell) Smith, Garr grew up with his two younger sisters, Connie and LeAnn. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1955, where he played football and tennis, and later earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah in 1960.

Shortly after graduating, Garr married LaRae Bowen, his sweetheart from high school. He then joined the U.S. Coast Guard, serving on active duty before transitioning to the reserves, retiring after more than 20 years with the rank of Commander. He was active in veterans' organizations during the latter part of his life and was their speaker coordinator. Garr built a career in sales with General Electric, Bechtel, Holmes & Narver, and the Austin Company.

Garr and LaRae raised two children, Craig and Tracy. They lived in Whittier for 36 years and were longtime golfers at Friendly Hills Country Club. He and LaRae retired to Indio in 2011 and continued playing golf at Shadow Hills Country Club. He served in leadership roles at both clubs, won many tournaments, and found great joy when golfing and traveling abroad with LaRae. Garr enjoyed playing bridge and gathering with friends for social events. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Garr and LaRae celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June of 2020, shortly before LaRae's death in December of 2020.

He is survived by his children, Craig (Lisa) Smith and Tracy Cumberland; grandchildren, Garrett and Makena Smith; step-granddaughter Tanya (Nathan) Gheen; sisters Connie (Ronald) Huss and LeAnn (Nolan) Leishman.

Interment
Garr will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife LaRae after a graveside service with military honors. Immediate family and close friends are invited.
Saturday, August 2nd at 1:00 PM
Bancroft Cemetery
Bancroft, Idaho

Memorial Service & Celebration of Life
A memorial service will be held followed by a celebration of life with a light buffet and time to share memories:

Friday, August 22nd at 12:00 PM
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
40840 Washington Street
Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203

Celebration of Life (immediately following the service at 1:00 PM)
Shadow Hills Club – Montecito Clubhouse
80888 Sun City Blvd, Indio, CA 92203
(Please enter through the Jefferson Road gate

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Coast Guard.
https://secure.coastguardfoundation.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2740&mfc_pref=T&2740.donation=form1&s_subsrc=homepage&_ga=2.156291259.1071486686.1752604223-2112844540.1752604223