Glen “Guppy” Parks Smith, 76, of Sonora, California, born September 3, 1949 in Glendora, California, passed away unexpectedly on February 20, 2026 at Adventist Health, Sonora, California.
Glen worked for the US Forestry Department as a Hot Shot on the Dalton, Groveland and the Stanislaus and finished his career as facility maintenance.
Services will be held at Horses of Warriors located at 17820 Seco St. Jamestown, Ca 95327 on April 25, 2026 at 1pm. Glen was a member of the nonprofit organization and any donation to the organization would be greatly appreciated in his memory.
Spouse Myrna Smith lives in Sonora, Ca Married 50yrs Two Children.
Daughter Virginia Van Dusen lives in Modesto, Ca with her Husband Sean Van Dusen and Son Stephen Van Dusen.
Son Casey Smith lives in Sonora, Ca One Grandson Stephen Van Dusen.
Preceded in Death by his parents Mother Margaret Louise (Danley) Smith passed 1990, Father Merrill Parks Smith passed 1975 and Brother Douglas Lee Smith passed 2011.
Glen loved the out doors and enjoyed fishing, camping, star gazing and looking for satellites, sitting around a warm campfire, and telling stories to his family and friends. He enjoyed his yard and building things and taking his crazy ideas and bringing them to life. He loved teaching his grandson chess and having competitive matches with him. He loved to have conversations with his grandson about complex math equations.
Sports were a big part of his life as a kid and teenager. He enjoyed playing baseball with an organized team and with his older brother and his brothers friends in the front yard. He also played football. He really liked the physical contact, structure, and discipline of football.
In his younger years he enjoyed collecting baseball cards, football cards, and stamps. As he grew older he treasured important family items and told the stories behind them to the best of his knowledge.
He started his career in southern California as a firefighter on the Dalton Hot Shots in 1968. He continued his career with different titles within the US Forestry Department until 2015. He officially retired in 2008 but continued as a diver for firecamp until 2015. From all the time spent out on the fireline he always thought the ground was the most comfortable place to lay down even at home.
During his years with the Forestry he would often be Smokey Bear out in the community. He even was Smokey a few times for the Sonora Christmas parade.
His favorite lines were “You’re burning daylight” and “Put a nickel in it”.
Glen’s kindness and generosity, and love for family and friends will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
