D. Cary Smith
D. Cary Smith passed away at the age of 85 on March 7, 2022 in Boise, Idaho.
Cary is survived by daughter Kelley Smith, son Kurtis (Renee) Smith, his German Shepherd dog Gracie, niece Janis Rusev, nephew Dave (Resa) Kallas, nephew Rick (Jenny) Kallas, sister-in-law Rogene (Ron) Evans, brother-in-law Rick (Penny) Campbell, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Beverly, parents Delbert and Josephine Smith, sister Myrna (& Dave) Kallas, in-laws Alvin and Floy Campbell, brother-in-law Leo (& Carol) Campbell, sister-in-law Delpha (& Robert) Van Komen, niece Cindy Van Komen Dean, and nephew Robby Van Komen.
Cary was born on August 7, 1936 at his great grandmother Smith’s house in Ontario, OR. When he was 7 years old the family moved to Baker City, OR where he attended 2nd through 8th grades. The family moved to Boise in 1950 and Cary graduated from Boise High School in 1954 and graduated from Boise Junior College in 1956. Cary met Beverly Campbell in Cambridge, Idaho in 1958 while working for Morrison Knudsen during construction of the Hells Canyon dams. Beverly and a friend had a flat tire and were helped by Cary and a friend. Chance would have it that Cary’s job moved to Boise where Beverly had moved, and Cary and Beverly dated and were soon engaged. They married on August 29, 1959 and were married for 60+ years until Beverly’s passing on May 8, 2020.
Cary worked as an accountant and bookkeeper. In addition to working for Morrison Knudsen, he worked for Babbitt Construction and finally for Bob Rice Country for 35+ years.
Cary grew up with musicians and loved playing guitar and singing with his dad’s band, Del Smith and the Rhythm Rounders and later The Rebels. From the 1950’s through the 2000’s, the bands played at grange halls and gatherings all over Southwest Idaho and Eastern Oregon. Later The Rebels played regularly at the Boise Eagles Lodge. Cary loved playing music and making friends when he played.
Cary believed in hard work and education (we heard you, dad). Dad (and mom) reminded us from an early age that we were expected to get good grades, go to college, and to work. And that we were expected to do all of these things at the same time. We are grateful for the example dad and mom lived for us.
Cary was active until the last two months of his life. He lived independently, drove, shopped, and managed his finances. He had a series of health problems starting in January including a stroke. He tried very hard to fight his way back. His mind was strong and clear, but his body was weakened by age. Cary left this earthly home on the morning of March 7, 2022.
A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Whitney Friends Church in Boise.
Thank you to Cary’s healthcare providers at St. Lukes.
Donations in honor of Cary can be made in his name to a charity of your choice.
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Rick Campbell says
March 12, 2022 at 12:14 pmCary you were a great friend and brother-in-law, you will be missed. Tell all Hi and that we will be there someday. Love you Rick
Rochelle Cunningham says
March 18, 2022 at 1:52 pmMy deepest sympathies to friends and loved ones saying goodbye to Cary.
Cary lived next door to me. He and Beverly were the first ones when I moved into my new home in July 2015, to welcome me to the neighborhood and introduce themselves. Beverly shared her raspberries, tomato’s, and rhubarb that she grew in their backyard, and offered fresh peach ice cream when the two of them would break out their ice cream maker. But my favorite was when she shared her stories of Cambridge, where she grew up. She even remembered my Grandma Bertha Cunningham and the Cunningham’s when they lived there.
But it was Cary that I bonded so closely with over the years, and especially after Beverly’s death in May of 2020. He was my “visit over the fence” neighbor from the beginning: part surrogate father, part grandfather. He was always one to lend a tool, a joke, or offer a helping hand. And did he ever love to bake! I nearly doubled in size from all the fresh baked cookies & goodies. He even started making gluten-free recipes for me, including my annual Rum Bunt Birthday Cake.
After Beverly’s absence we began to take walks together, enjoy cocktails in the summer months on his back porch, and he would regale me with stories of his past. But the thing that I will miss the most is having that friendly smile – every morning when he popped his head out of his front door as I started my car. “Have a good day,” he’d say and wave. Then most evenings I’d watch him come up my driveway, through my little gate, and up my sidewalk – just to check in on me. He’d ask if I needed anything from Costco, or wonder how my day went… he was so pleasant to visit with.
I didn’t just lose a kind neighbor, which are indeed so rare anymore, but I lost a very dear friend. I will miss him every single day that I look to the east and not see him putting around in his yard. He was there for me, interested in me and my welfare, and kinder than most of my own family. His genuine love and kindness are rare in this world and I am grateful to have been blessed with it for the last 7 years of my life.
Rest in peace my dear friend – you will forever stir my thoughts and always have a special place in my heart.
Tresa Stetzel says
May 10, 2022 at 9:48 pmI am so sorry for your lose. I just found out today. Cary was my boss at Bob Rice Ford. He and Beverly were my friends for many years after.