Notifications

No notifications
We will send an invite after you submit!

Sky (GW)'s obituary

Ret Captain Gerald William Doht (aka GW, aka "Sky" Lightning Bolt Smith), age 78, died in his home July 1st, 2019.

Sky was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris Doht, and his Sister Valerie Carter. He is survived by his Sister Judith Callaghan and her husband Donald along with 20 nieces and nephews spread over 3 generations.
He is also preceded in death by many fallen brothers in arms, as well as his brothers and sisters of the skydiving community.

Sky was born June 2nd 1941 in Portland Oregon. He was raised in Portland and graduated from Franklin High School in 1959.
During his High School years he was involved in the Illuminati Fraternity. He was a 4 year lettermen in wrestling.

In 1961 Sky volunteered service in The United States Army where he quickly rose in rank as his commanding officers recognized a natural warrior and leader. He started his career running the jungles of Vietnam where he fought heroically, and then in 1965 he attended Officer Candidate School, where he became a Captain in the Special Forces Unit. Always looking for opportunities to become a well trained soldier he decided to attend helicopter flight school where he became a pilot of a Special Forces Guns Ship, with a unit known as The Black Widows. On January 4th, 1968 his unit volunteered to extract another special forces unit that was pinned down under heavy fire. Upon entering the Landing Zone his gun ship was shot down under the heavy fire. This would be his final battle as he was badly wounded.

During retirement Sky enjoyed traveling the earth, becoming an elite skydiver, scuba diving, base jumping, white water rafting and cycling. The love he had for his skydiving community was most prized.

Now he joins his fallen Brothers and Sisters of Air Trash.

Military Services will be held at the Schofield Barracks Chapel on October, 5th presided by The Special Forces.
827-861 Wai Ct, Schofield Barracks, HI 96857.

Following the services there will be a Skydive Boogie at SkyDive Hawaii.

Print this obituary

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Want to stay updated?

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to any cause of your choice.

Memories & condolences

Share your memories

Post a photo, tell a story, or leave your condolences.

Get grief support

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.
×

Stay in the loop

Sky (GW) Doht