Why a Surprise Vacation Donated to Terminally Ill Costco Employee Was So Priceless

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

If you shop at Costco in Danville you will likely recognize his face with the omnipresent smile. Longtime Costco employee Arlie Smith, 45, who has battled Multiple Sclerosis and was recently diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, was given a priceless gift this week when some of his customers collected $2500 so he and his wife, Shari, could take a trip.

According to KTVU News, on Tuesday the customers presented the “Costco Guy” with the money so he and his wife could vacation in Laguna beach. A teary-eyed and humble Smith wiped his eyes as customer Bridgette Loughnane presented the couple with the donation on camera.

When Smith, a San Ramon native, was diagnosed with cancer in September, he was given a prognosis of two years to live.

But what shoppers may not know about the “Costco Guy” is that Smith and his wife have a truly quintessential love story not often found nowadays. Smith says his wife is the reason he goes to work with a smile each day.

“I dedicated a bench to her back the first year when we got married for a Christmas present; it has a love letter on it,” Smith said.

The bench, which Smith donated to the East Bay Regional Parks and dedicated to his wife, is located in Central Park in San Ramon. According to a YouTube video of Smith addressing the San Ramon City Council, the bench is the only bench in the district dedicated to person who is still living.

The dedication on the bench reads:

“My sunshine, Shari: You are the most kind, gentle adorable person I have ever met. I am proud to be your husband. Love, Arlie”

Smith tells Patch his passion, besides the love of his life, is in the Oakland Children’s Hospital. Smith is asking for those interested in donating in support of him, to make the donations to the hospital through Costco’s store-wide fundraiser through the month of May.

“Come to my register to do the donation,” Smith said.

His goal is for his bucket to be number one for Oakland Children’s Hospital in the North America. Smith added, “The best I’ve ever done is number six. Costco also donates a percentage on top of what all the members do.”

Smith says if people want to make donations but cannot get by his bucket, they can still donate through Costco as their donation will be increased.

“I will be back on the register if it kills me,” Smith said. “I had a P.E.T. and my cancer hasn’t spread ... it’s staying the same.”

Photos courtesy Arlie Smith

Video embed: KTVU News