Matthew C. "Matt" Smith's Obituary
Matthew C. “Matt” Smith, age 66, passed away at home on Friday, April 1, 2022 after a very brief courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side. He was born on May 5, 1955 to John Smith and Donna Murphy in Muskegon, MI and has remained a resident most his life. Matt graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School class of 1973. He was a machinist most of his life dedicating his last 15 years working for RAMI in Grand Haven, MI before retiring in May 2020. On October 23, 1976, he married the former Barbara Guikema of Muskegon. Together they cherished 45 years full of love, laughter, and nonstop racing. Matt was by all means an outdoorsman and enjoyed spending his time hunting and fishing. He was known for his passion for racing, racing of all types! He especially loved his years of spending weekends racing at Silver Lake Sand Dragway. Matt was quite the handyman and could fix just about anything for anyone. He was a family man above all things. He loved to play horseshoes and enjoyed evening bonfires that could be seen from miles away. Above all things, he had an unconditional love for his grandchildren and was a proud grandpa. Many would call him the “ringleader of shenanigans” when it came to his grandchildren. Whether it was spoiling dinner with too many peanuts in the garage, head to toe, mud covered grandkids or supporting them at sporting events. Matt just loved spending his time with them. He will always be remembered as a gracious man with a generous and tender-loving spirit. Matt will truly be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Smith; 3 children, Darrick (Sonia) Guikema, Matthew (Alicha) Smith and Heather (Jason) Clement; 11 grandchildren, Kaylie, Haylie, Shannon, Breanna and Taylor Guikema, Zoe Wolf, Oliver, Maximus and Lincoln Smith and Logan and Roman Clement; 6 great-grandchildren, Dallas, Amelia, Jade, Brendan, Deshawn and Addisyn; sister, Jennifer Allen; 3 brothers, Mark (Penny) Smith and twin brothers, Pat and Steve Murphy; Step-Father Richard Murphy; and many nieces and nephews; and great friends Don England and Tom Sprague. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Smith and Donna Murphy; sister, Vicki Baatz; nephew, Mike Buckhout; and in-laws, Henry (Anna Mary) Guikema. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A visitation with the family will be held from 12-1:00PM at the funeral home. Matt will be laid to rest at East Dalton Cemetery. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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