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Jim Brodeur of the All Veterans Honor Guard gives an American Flag to Gary "Bear" Smith's wife, Karen, at the Celebration of Life Saturday morning at the Nevada County Airport. More than 350 people attended the celebration.
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ENLARGE
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Two of CDF's planes flown by pilots Joe Satrapa and Ray DiLorenzo fly over the crowd that attended the celebration.
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In a memorial tribute, friends and family gathered Saturday to honor the life of Gary "Bear" Smith at the Nevada County Airport.
Smith, who will be remembered as an accomplished pilot with a great sense of humor, was killed Oct. 11 in a plane crash at Oroville Municipal Airport. The 63-year-old Grass Valley resident had been flying with a trainee in a single-engine plane when it went down for unknown reasons, and the cause is still being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board.
Smith was a decorated Navy pilot who flew more than 300 missions during the Vietnam War. Later, he flew with the celebrated Blue Angels Navy aerobatic demonstration team, and became a test pilot for the McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Co. in Seattle.
Smith and his wife, Karen, who survives him, moved to Grass Valley just three years ago, friends said. During that time he made a strong impact on many with his generosity, kindness, and passion for sharing his love of flying.
- Brittany Retherford
- Brittany Retherford
Smith and his wife, Karen, who survives him, moved to Grass Valley just three years ago, friends said. During that time he made a strong impact on many with his generosity, kindness, and passion for sharing his love of flying.
- Brittany Retherford
- Brittany Retherford
