Gary Milton Smith was born in Payette, Idaho to Milton F. Smith and Lillian Ruby on March 15, 1943. He attended Idaho State University and then Utah State University (USU) where he graduated in 1967. During the summers and after graduation, he worked in the national forests and parks. Smith married Lillian Francuz on July 4, 1969, in Idaho Falls, Idaho (they later divorced in 1984). During 1969 he enlisted into the Marine Corps, attaining the rank of captain, and remained on active duty until 1972.

Smith was a talented photographer, songwriter, outdoor advocate, and musician. He was also a passionate outdoor and environmental advocate. This collection reflects the level of interaction, connection, and his commitment to promoting this cause. In 1975, Smith published an autobiographical book about his life entitled Windsinger. This same year Smith was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and discontinued his graduate studies. He continued to write articles for magazines and newspapers on environmental and social issues, however, and he eventually resumed his studies receiving his Masters of Science in Recreational Resource Management in 1981. His thesis is entitled, "The Mystery Song: A Walk with Masawe." Smith died on April 7, 1988 and is buried in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Pocatello, Idaho.