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There's a pair of gloves sitting on a ledge by my front door that I see every day, and every day I think to myself that I need to return them to their owner.
Back on Nov. 21, I left my house to cover the Lackey-Westlake football regional final. And, being a total idiot, decided I wouldn't need any gloves because they'd only get in the way trying to write. Well, as any of you that were out that night well remember, it was downright frigid and anyone without gloves on their hands was, well, a moron.
But there to save me was a former co-worker of mine, Gary Smith, photographer for Southern Maryland Newspapers. If you're reading this, and especially from Charles County, you probably saw him plenty and possibly had the good fortune to know him, as well.
I received word this morning that Gary passed away last night/this morning.
Gary, an institution at the paper, truly was a friend to everyone in the community and certainly to any of us involved on any side of Southern Maryland Athletic Conference sports. He genuinely cared about what he did and the people he covered. Very few people really know how much of himself he gave.
During the nearly four years we worked together, my regular routine led me back into the office every night to write up whatever event I had just covered. He was always there working his photos from the day, and generally we were the only ones in the office on a lot of those late nights, left to talk about a myriad of subjects. I truly cherish the memories.
So long, Gary. You were the best.
From Prince George's County Content Manager James A. McCray III ...
The last time I spoke to Gary was the night of the 3A Maryland state championship game, when Westlake won its first state title.
It was raining on and off and Gary and I shared in the misery of being on the field in cold and rainy conditions for the duration of the game. However, with Gary there to converse with, the misery of being in the elements seemed obsolete.
Gary seemed to love the elements, and as I paced back and forth just trying to stay warm, or put a hood over my head to stay dry, Gary just simply grabbed a small towel out of his pocket, wiped his head and his camera and kept on shooting.
That personified Gary Smith's work ethic. Nothing would stop him from getting the job done. He was not one to look for a back road out; in fact, he looked to help out everyone in any way possible, even if it meant shooting a quarter or two of a game on his scheduled days off.
I was with Southern Maryland Newspapers for just over a year, and Gary was always the calming voice and smiling face I looked forward to seeing all day in the office and later that night at a game.
I missed him when I eventually left Southern Maryland Newspapers, and now I will miss him forever.
Now, I won't remember the night that Westlake won its first state title simply for Westlake's accomplishment. I will remember the night now because it allowed one last opportunity for me to share time with Gary Smith.
From Jerry Ballengee, Lackey Athletic Boosters Freelance Sports Photographer
When I was at Lackey that Monday night on January 5th for the Girls Varsity Basketball game, just days before he passed, I would have never have believed it would be the last time I would get the opportunity to see and talk with Gary. I always enjoyed seeing Gary arrive at Lackey's sporting events, we always had interesting discussions about my freelance photography efforts and he always had something pleasant and supportive to say about it. Prior to the game that evening, Gary and I shared some light discussions about our photos, his recent health issues and a number of other items of interest. Gary just seemed to be in an exceptionally good mood and even indicated that he felt good and things were going well. Wow, things can happen suddenly...
When I took his photo that night, he was at the other end of the gym taking some close up photos of Lackey's offense, and I was at the other end shooting long range photos of Lackey's defense. Of course I didn't realize until after getting home to download and edit them, that one of them contained a photo of him - doing the job he loved so well - and - that it would be one of the last photos of him before his passing. I guess that night in the gym with you, Dallas Cogle and a few other media types, we all shared a special evening with him.
I'll always have some fond memories of Gary and this is my most important one. Back two years ago, he contacted me asking if I was going to be at the Lackey vs Hereford Maryland State 3A football championship game and that he (and the paper) wanted to acquire my services to take some photos of the game. I said "yes" of course and was very happy that he'd even considered me. Well, when the game was over and I got home, I was even happier (except for the Lackey loss) that a lot of my photos turned out well - given the fact it was a night time shooting - and - you and other sports photographers understand how difficult it can be to get good photos during night time football games. Anyhow, I was just so proud to represent him (and the paper) and later see my photos appear in the paper. So Gary, thanks again. I'll miss you.
If anyone else has any thoughts they would like to express, e-mail astates@digitalsports.com to be posted.
