Greg D. Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Quail Creek, Green Valley, Arizona, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, with his wife of 44 years by his side and his beloved dog, Lola, faithfully watching over him.
Born on February 5, 1953, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Greg was the cherished son of Andrew and Arlene Smith. He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in Owen, Wisconsin. After graduation, he moved to Colorado, where he worked as Assistant Road Director for the Town of Snowmass Village.
Although Greg lived with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 25 years, his heart remained full of joy, gratitude, and unwavering optimism. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved nature, country dancing, and spending time with friends and family. His morning ritual included sharing a cup of coffee with God and sending thoughtful messages to friends, encouraging them to have a blessed day, enjoy the journey, and always choose joy.
Over the course of his 73 years, Greg embraced life to the fullest. He spent many memorable years skiing, boating, traveling, and golfing throughout Colorado's Roaring Fork Valley. In 2016, he made the significant decision to leave the mountains and begin a new chapter in the Arizona desert. He quickly grew to love the Sonoran Desert, spending countless hours exploring its beauty, admiring its spectacular sunsets, and learning about its unique plants. His passion for gardening and his love of birds brought him great happiness and many peaceful moments in his yard. Greg was also a devoted member of Desert Hills Lutheran Church in Green Valley.
Greg is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Sheri Lynn; his three brothers, Gary (Sally) of Owen, Wisconsin; Kenneth (Lynn) of Maple Grove, Minnesota; and Michael (Barbara) of Marshfield, Wisconsin; his brother-in-law, Mark Bucholz (Deb) of West Fargo, North Dakota; his sister-in-law, Rosiland Olson ("Roz") of Grand Prairie, Texas; and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Arlene Smith.
Rarely seen without his signature cowboy hat, Greg will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his deep faith, and the genuine care and kindness he showed to everyone he met. His legacy of joy, encouragement, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
No memorial service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Greg's honor.
