Graydon Lee Smith Zanyk Sr.'s Obituary
Graydon Lee Smith Zanyk, Sr passed peacefully at home on the morning of August 11, 2020. He was born in St. John, New Brunswick Canada on November 3, 1948 to Graydon Lee Smith and Doris Whittacker. He was adopted by his Aunt Jaqueline Zanyk, nee Smith and his Uncle Michaeal Zanyk and was raised in and around Solvang, California.
He graduated from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 1967, joined the Army in 1969 and became a United States citizen in 1974. Graydon was a career soldier and was most proud of his leadership role as a First Sergeant. He continued his service to his nation as a civilian employee at Fort Polk in the G1/ Strength Management Division. In 2015, he retired once again and was happy spending time on his homestead with his wife, Barabara Jean Zanyk, his family and his friends.
Graydon is survived by his wife of forty-nine years, his brother Purdy Smith and his wife Leann, his daughter, Anathea Brandy Evans (Scott Evans), his son, Graydon L. S. Zanyk, Jr. (Shana Swilley Zanyk), his grandchildren: Graydon L. S. Zanyk, III, Timothy Michael Thomas, Brenna Lemaire, K.C. Thomas, Sara Crockett, Paige Thomas, and Allison Zanyk, and two great grandsons.
Graydon Zanyk, Sr. will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A private gathering shall be held in the near future to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, please give the gift of life to others by donating blood at your local hospital or blood bank.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Smith-Zanyk Family at www.labbymemorial.com
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