Passed peacefully after a sudden and brief illness at Victoria Hospital, London, ON, with his loving wife Pauline, son Eric and daughter-in-law, Jessica, at his side.

He will be remembered by his wife Pauline; sons Ben (Candice) and Eric (Jessica); sister Marilyn (Bellin); brother-in-law Doug; brother Ron; nephew Ryan (Heidi); niece Tracey (Dan); grandniece Kaylee (Keegan); stepson Kevin (Jennifer); mother-in-law Irene; brothers-in-law Gary, Mike, Steve and Tim; very special cousin, Loraine (Currie); and his many grandchildren and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Lauretta Smyth, of Thunder Bay.

Gary grew up in Thunder Bay. He started working for CP Rail, became a great drywaller, and eventually went on to become a Canada Customs Officer in Windsor.

Gary’s passion was music; an incredible guitar player. His love of the guitar began at the age of 11 when he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan show in 1964. Gary spent many years playing with The Cruzeros of Kelowna, BC. He had the opportunity to travel with them countrywide and to Europe. Gary returned to school and received a degree in audio engineering at the Centre for Arts and Technology in Kelowna. He did studio recordings for many musicians and played with many others while living in Kelowna and eventually went on to write and record original songs on his solo album “How to Laugh”. Gary was also a part of a wonderful musical project that honoured the life of John Denver, “Rocky Mountain High”. Pauline and Gary shared a love of travelling, hiking, snowshoeing and adventurous road trips, and of their two dogs Spike and Dexter. He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs, and rarely missed a game. Everyone who was fortunate enough to have known Gary knew his kind, warm and sensitive heart and his wry sense of humour. He often gave to anyone less fortunate, by way of his musical talent. He will forever be loved and missed by so many.

A very special thank you to the Critical Care Trauma Centre – Victoria Hospital – your efforts were tireless.

Death is a wild night and a new road ~ Emily Dickinson

Man.....I'm still wrapping my head around it all.

I think that when I think of Gary, I think of a talented but humble man. He was incredibly funny. I remember sitting with him at Riley's on many occasions and just talking about everything and anything. He was generous with his time and very gracious. Watching him play with Scott Grant and Jim Ryan was magical! I was honored to be invited to his home a few times and it was always amazing. We lost a treasure. I hated when he was leaving for Ontario and always hoped to see him again. I feel for his wife Pauline and keep her in thoughts and prayers. I am a better person and a better musician because of Gary Smyth.

I did a show with Gary when he filled in for the Tom Petty Breakdown tribute, but I can't seem to find any photos..... I enjoyed working with him, he was a true professional.

Most know Gary had a heart for the homeless in Kelowna. He joined The Kindness Project and played lead on this and a few other songs. He left a large footprint.

Sending condolences to the family and all who knew Gary.

Oh, man... sooo many good memories... I wouldn't know where to start... still processing

I've recorded virtually every show I've done over the past 10 years. Sometimes, I'm not sure why I bother to do so. But there's a good reason why.

I just posted a short clip of me with Gary Smyth recorded in June 2019 at the Monkey's Fist in Kelowna, BC.

This is pure Gary. In my experience, he didn’t strive for the limelight; he just did his thing, and did it well. No muss, no fuss, no small town rock star attitude, no excuses.

I'm not sure we ever had a rehearsal over the couple of years when Gary played with me. He was a professional. He did his homework, he showed up on time, he never whinged. Gary brought his "A" game and he was a wonderfully talented musician with a great sense of dry humor.

Gary was real pro and it was my pleasure to play with him.

Whenever he spoke of his wife Pauline I saw love and respect. How truly lovely.

RIP Gary

When I moved to Kelowna I quickly heard about the famous Cruzeros Country Rock band who are based here. Once I saw them live I could see what the fuss was all about! Great songwriting, great musicianship and an assured vibe from a band you could tell were road-worn and vastly experienced. Gary Smyth, the guitarist in the band stood out a mile too. He looked a star with his cool shirts and his striking white hair and of course he had the chops to match. Over the years I saw Gary play in a number of settings around town and each time he demonstrated what a great band person he was. He always played the right thing in the right style. The ultimate sideman I guess. I was honoured to get to know him as a friend too. I recall playing with him and Curtis Tulman at the Grateful Fed one night and it still goes down as a very special evening to me.

When the Covid19 pandemic began I would go down to the Rotary Park in Kelowna to provide a place for those who are homeless in the town. It was an initiative of Metro Community and the Gospel Mission and was a place for people with no place to go to get a meal and a welcoming place to hang out and get some basic needs met. I told Gary about it and he asked if he could come down and play some tunes for those attending. That started a thing that would last till he moved out of town. Most weeks he would show up with his guitar, set up next to the 'sharpie box' and sing to us from his huge repertoire of songs. My personal favourites were 'Lineman of the County', Here Comes the Sun', and a powerful song by T. Graham Brown called 'Wine into Water'. A song that he told me he related to only too well.

We often would stand around chatting about all kinds of things for a long time after these sessions. It was during these times that I learned why he was so committed to coming down so often. He would share how he had had his own struggles and how it helped him identify with those who were struggling with their own demons. He didn't suffer fools and was very opinionated about things he believed in. But he had tremendous compassion for others. One of the things he felt strongly about was how poorly homeless people are often treated. He would often say "How can we build towers in town for the rich and yet don't build shit to house the poor"?

It was always beautiful to see him allowing the 'street guys' to play his guitar and he would celebrate what they could play as much as they celebrated him. Gary wasn't a religious man, but in our conversations, I learned that he was raised to understand what the true values of faith really were. He lived out the idea of a social gospel and believed that faith should have arms and legs, that you should live out your values rather than just preach about them. We shared much common ground in this aspect.

His death was a tremendous shock to me especially because he was so looking forward to being near his family out East. He will always be remembered with great respect as a fine articulate musician but also as a kind, open, human being. My sincere condolences to Pauline and Gary's family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.

Gary was a great player and a wonderful human being . No other guitar player played in more projects then Gary! A musical chameleon and seriously killer sense of humour. Deepest condolences to his wife Pauline in this terrible time and hope there’s some comfort in seeing how much love and respect Gary earned from all of us!!

While Gary and I never lived in each others’ back pockets; we caroused in various musical and social circles apart from the other - since playing together in a band together in 1980, we loved and respected each other in bands we played together in until 2019.

A particular joy was forming the Green Room Riders with he and Scott Grant sometime in 2016. I fully appreciated his musicianship, dry humour, gentleness during that time.

Today I look at my kitchen table where he and I drank endless cups of coffee and laughed at things and moments only shared by two people who’d travelled long storied roads, apart and together.

He’ll remain in my life for my remaining days. I’ll grin, laugh, shed an occasional moist eye or two thinking of him.

Ladies and gentlemen, Gary Smyth 💔❤️

Back in the early days of Easy Fix we had the pleasure of having the talented musician, Gary Smyth, in our band. Gary was a very accomplished musician who brought intelligence, wit, warmth and humour to the table, not to mention amazing skill. We all really enjoyed our time playing with him. We were so saddened yesterday to learn of his passing.

Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Pauline and family. Gary was highly respected and well liked by all. I especially appreciated his humour and sarcasm on social media. You could always count on him to make you laugh. Gary may be gone, but he will not be forgotten. And he certainly will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr Smyth.

I can't say that I knew Gary well. In fact, I may be one of the few musicians in town that never saw him play with the Cruzeros! Getting to know him a little, watching him play with Stringers, and sensing the deep level of respect so many had for the man, I count myself very fortunate to have gotten to spend some time at Sean's house with Gary, Sean, and Marilla just talking about music and Stringers and guitar playing and such. Came away with the sense that he was someone who although he took his music very seriously, never took himself too seriously. But the man loved his music! And he could play a little!

My deepest condolences to Pauline and the whole family. You have my heart.

I first got to play with Gary a few years ago for the Rockin’ the Beach tribute show, where I quickly learned what a pro he was. So when he invited me at short notice to join him and the Green Room Riders to play a private concert at The Rug Room I was so honoured! That evening with those magnificent musicians and amazing audience turned out to be one of the highlights of my years performing, and led to Gary and I working together on a number of duo shows. He was always such fun to play with. So easy going, he kept me laughing and never failed to blow me away with his guitar.

I knew it was unlikely when he and Pauline made their move that we would ever get to jam again, so I’m so happy I was able to stop in for one final hoorah at their farewell party. Of course never thinking the goodbye would be so permanent so soon.

My heart breaks for Pauline and their family…I pray she feels the love and support of all those who cared for Gary. He will be missed 💔

Gary was my friend and guitarist for the RMH production. I've known Gary for over 45 years. We first met in 1978 when he was brought into my band, Night Madness, which was formed to tour and promote my first album on Attic Records. He was an exceptional musician with a great kindness and sense of humour. When the first band broke up, we lost touch with each other for many years but rediscovered our friendship here in Kelowna about ten years ago.

I was so grateful to reconnect and especially have him play in my production. We became close friends again. He also reconnected with my brother Steve, who also played in that first band. I am absolutely heartbroken at his passing and my heart aches for his wife Pauline, his sons Ben and Eric and all his friends and family. It is very obvious by the outpouring of condolences and sadness that he touched so many people with his soul and his music and was well loved. May we all be so blessed.

I know my life was made better by his presence. I will miss my friend. Love him forever! I hope one day, we'll be able to share the stage once again. God speed my friend!

As The Rolly Rangno Band, we were very fortunate to have Gary play 90% of our shows with us. He was always disciplined, professional, and on time for both rehearsals as well as gigs.

During a particular sold-out show at the now-defunct Munkey's Fist Grill, Gary and I were walking around talking to restaurant patrons in between sets. As we walked by a table of "thirty-something" girls, we got into a conversation. They told us how much they were enjoying the music that evening and then one of them looked directly at Gary and asked, "Are you single?"

I thought to myself, "Wow, dudes still got it!" In typical unruffled Gary Smyth fashion he immediately replied, "Nope, I'm married!" Clean, no games, to the point, and pretty classy! I thought to myself, "Atta boy, Gary...well done!"

I will truly miss Gary's honesty, amazing sense of humor, and friendship. He was truly one of a kind!

Gary and I shared the love of the same important things in life - family, dogs, guitars, humour, the Toronto Maple Leafs, coffee and Steely Dan! Going to miss playing music together and just hanging out with my dear friend.

Around 2008 I was playing with John Lee Sanders and our bass player, Dean Singh, had just moved to Edmonton so we decided to try a new bassist. Introducing Jim Ryan. So we were going to play our first show with Jim at Lorenzo’s in Ashton creek. Now I was really nervous because Jim was the bassist in an act that I loved called the Cruzeros, they were a great band, hugely popular and I knew Jim to be a monster.

Get to the sit behind the kit, look off to the left and front row is Gary Smyth another Cruzero just watching us(I was so nervous that I can’t remember if Pauline was even at that show). I’m so nervous now because these guys are the best of the best that this town has to offer. I play the show probably very badly but don’t really remember much except that I was really nervous. Gary came out again and caught us at the Minstrel with Dennis Mercenko on bass as Jim left for family commitments.

Fast forward a couple of years and Gary contacts me to play a show with Sideshow Bob. It was a one off for a Blues Festival opening for Harpdog Brown, whom I later played for until his untimely passing a month prior to Gary’s untimely passing. I don’t hear from Gary for a couple of more years until he asks me if I want to play in a Jam band at Riley’s with him and Jim Ryan. Sure!!!

I get to the show and Jim wants to switch between drummers, one week me and one week Scott Gamble cause “Scotty’s my guy.” Ok. So that goes on for a few weeks, like an audition everytime we play. lol. And at some point I just became the drummer and GRR (Green Room Riders) was born. About my 4th week of playing with Gary and Jim, I’m loading in, slip on the ice and my bass drum scratches Gary’s green Mini. So Gary got all my pay for the next year from those Shows to pay for the paint job and he started driving his old truck to Riley’s.

The band was fun, funny, witty (the back and forth between Jim and Gary on stage was something to behold) two of the smartest, wittiest people verbally jousting all night long. And the musicianship those two brought to the table every night was unparalleled. Every time we played at some point magic happened! A couple of great shows at the Rug Room one with Niki Martinus, New Years every single show. MAGIC.

From there Gary ponied me up for the RMH (Rocky Mountain High) show that Rick Worrall was putting together. And again it was amazing, we took that show across Canada with Rick and Lee Holdridge at the helm and a beautiful cast of great musicians propping them up. And the two that made the travel bearable were Gary and Chris Stevens, so funny. Just great people. Constant laughs.

So, Gary decided to move to Ontario to be closer to his family and I had to miss his going away party due to work but, we had a tour planned for RMH this November so I was feeling good. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing each other anytime soon.

Rest In Power My friend.

Our deepest condolences to Pauline and the family

My condolences from Tomy Thisdale, fellow musician.

I still cannot believe that Gary is gone. He was so fun to work with in the studio. He played on almost all the songs that I have recorded the past four years and we talked about working remotely once he got his gear set up in his new house. He brought his special style to each song that we recorded and helped make my original songs come to life. It's going to be difficult to find a guitarist that can match his witt, musical interpretation and talent. I have two albums that I can proudly say that "Gary Smyth" was a huge contributor. He is a legend!