On the Road - Newport, OR

Gary with PVC. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

This is Gary Smith. He works at The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR. He's worked at the aquarium since before opening day, 17 years ago. (One of only three original employees still there.) That is when I met him, and every time I pass through Newport I give him a call for a strong handshake (and more recently a bear hug) and guaranteed laughs.

Gary helped build the beautiful Oregon Coast Aquarium—literally. He used to work for the construction company that won the contract to build the $24 million, state-of-the-art facility. Legend has it that Gary was hired to work in the aquarium's Life Support Department (i.e.: filters, pumps, water lines, etc.) because he was the only guy who knew where all the pipes were buried. Sometimes more accurately than the blueprints.

Affable, high-energy and nearly always covered in some sort of slime, chemical cleaner or ketchup, Gary loves what he does. That would certainly explain the "17 years" part.

As usual, it was great to see him again. Only this time, I insisted on a portrait. Ironically, for someone who has made his living with his hands, I knew he'd have trouble knowing what to do with them during the portrait. So I asked him to grab a prop. Appropriately, he picked up a pipe.