There are certain types of people who only come around once in a lifetime. They are the kind of people who regularly inspire everyone around them and bring out the best in others. Mark A. Smith, founder of Jeep_® Jamboree USA, was one of those once-in-a-lifetime people. Today, we’d like to take a moment to remember Mark, who passed away at the age of 87 on June 9, 2014.

We recently spoke with Pearse Umlauf, Vice President of Jeep Jamboree USA, about his experience working with Mark and some of his favorite memories.

When did you first meet Mark?

I met Mark in 1996 at the second annual Camp Jeep event in Camp Hale, CO.  Mark had been asked by Chrysler to build the off-road test track and staff them with experienced guides. Camp Jeep participants had the opportunity to test drive a variety of Jeep brand vehicles over the off-road course. It was a huge success. I remember being told back then that Mark was an off-road icon. He was sitting on the back of a pick-up truck wearing his trademark white cowboy hat next to his one-eyed dog named “Jeep.”

What were some of the major highlights of Mark’s career?

Mark started Jeep Jamboree back in 1953 with the first organized trip on the Rubicon Trail.  Mark loved scouting new Jamboree locations around the United States. We would frequently receive calls from local Chambers of Commerce offices in small town across the U.S. asking us to host a Jamboree in their community. Small towns loved the Jeep Jamboree program. They saw the positive economic impact to the local businesses, plus our participants are some of the nicest people in the world, so it was a win-win.

One great story was in Martinsburg, NY, where the local volunteer fire department hosted all of our meals. They would pull their fire trucks out in front of the firehouse and everyone would eat inside. After the 8th or 9th year, the Martinsburg Fire Department was able to purchase their first-ever new fire truck because of the income generated from the Jamboree. Mark enjoyed knowing that the communities were benefiting from the Jamboree.

The Jeep Jamboree organization is known by fans across the country. How did Mark help it become a nation-wide event?
Expanding the program wasn’t a problem. As I said before, local communities from across the United States were courting Jeep Jamboree USA to host events. We still receive about 10-15 requests a year from local townships wanting us to host a Jamboree in their community. Also, participants that attended a Jamboree would go home and try to get one start in their hometown. Mark would scout many of the locations to see if they would meet the criteria and standards of hosting a Jamboree.

Did Mark have a favorite Jamboree in particular?

Mark attended hundreds of Jeep Jamborees. He enjoyed all of the Jamborees for different reasons. For example, in Maine he loved the lobster, in Ouray, he loved the Rocky Mountains and in Arch Canyon, he loved the Native American history. But most of all he loved meeting all of the participants and watching them enjoy themselves.

Can you tell us a little more about Mark’s personality?
Mark was a visionary. He had this amazing ability to see the outcome before the program/event even started.  Mark didn’t understand the word “no.”  If someone told him “no,” he would find another way to accomplish his objectives. He was one of the most giving individuals I have ever met. Mark always wanted others to share in his experience. He didn’t leave anyone on the sidelines and he would give anyone a second chance. He used to say, “We all make mistakes. If you make a mistake you should have the opportunity to make it right.”

Apart from founding the Jeep Jamboree organization, what will Mark be best remembered for?
The parent company to Jeep Jamboree USA is an organization called MASOR (Mark A. Smith Off-Roading, Inc.).  We facilitate a number of different automotive related services including product launches, off-road course construction, military training, etc.  Mark’s team of highly trained professionals have constructed hundreds of off-road test tracks including the Chrysler Proving ground at Chelsea and the Severe Off-Road Track at Quantico.  But I think Mark will most be remember for his humanness.

How will Mark’s legacy continue to live on in the Jeep Jamboree organization?

Mark’s legacy is “the need for adventure.” It will continue on by offering unique experiences to individuals at Jeep Jamboree events. We call these experiences “Darien Gap” experiences.  Mark’s need for adventure was much greater than the average person’s. He needed to cross the Darien Gap to feel accomplishment. For most Jeep brand vehicle owners, driving in the snow is a real thrill. But when an owner attends a Jamboree, they push themselves and their Jeep brand vehicle to conquer obstacles they couldn’t imagine were possible. Once they have these “Darien Gap” moments they are changed for life.

Mark will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit and inspirational personality. He will be sincerely missed.