Terry Smutney Memorial Fund

Terry Smutney 1956-2009

Terry Smutney, long-time resident of McGee Creek and prominent volunteer and lover of the Eastern Sierra, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009 from lung cancer and other complications of Gulf War Syndrome. Terry was a good friend to many people in our community, and he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

Terry served as a medic in the Army for many years and in many battles. He was permanently affected by chemical exposure in Desert Storm. Though his body was broken, his enduring spirit persevered. Serving others was his primary occupation over these last years. He was a valued volunteer of Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra, the Sunrise Rotary Club and the Mobility Commission.

Terry was named Volunteer of the Year at DSES in 2007 for his work as an adaptive ski and cycling instructor. He was the inspiration and founder of the Wounded Warrior Projects that have become famous in our community. His compassion for others who suffered from disabilities inspired many of them to go beyond their fears and experience the exhilaration of outdoor challenges the way he did.

His work with Sunrise Rotary led him to serve on the Mobility Commission, and he was a champion of making his beloved Sierra accessible to all. He recently organized a project at Convict Lake to make it a fully accessible fishing area. Terry's legacy will live on through his various charitable contributions and many close friendships that he fostered in this community.

A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, April 11th at his home in McGee Creek at 5pm. Donations in Terry's name can be made to the Terry Smutney Memorial Fund at Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra on the website here (Be sure to indicated in the notes area that your donation is for the Terry Smutney Memorial Fund) or 760.934.0791.

It is our goal that all donations made in Terry’s name will go towards the continuation of projects and programs that he was passionate about:

• Wounded Warriors
• Town accessibility
• Convict Lake Paver Project
• Mono Ski Camp and Training