Patrick A. Smith's Obituary
Patrick A. “Rick” “Pat” Smith, age 68, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on March 10, 1953 in Lansing, MI to Duane Smith and Patricia (Brindley) Fuller. He married Diane Szewczyk on April 30, 1988 in East Lansing, MI. Patrick received an Associate’s Degree in Welding from Lansing Community College. He was a Journeyman Mechanic in the trade of steel & sheet metal fabrication, a Journeyman Sheet Metal/Tinsmith, and a Journeyman Machine Repairman. Throughout his life Patrick was a teacher and guide who loved reading, music, fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He loved the water, his maritime accomplishments include 50-ton Master Captain’s license and Able Seaman. Patrick was a long time member of the Muskegon Yacht Club. His passion for sailing was apparent whether racing or skippering Windsong & Serenity. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 3447 in Hastings, MI where he served as Grand Knight. He enjoyed playing cribbage with his granddaughters & friends. Above all we will remember Patrick for his spirit and dry-wit sense of humor. Patrick is survived by his wife, Diane Szewczyk-Smith; son, Patrick Allen Smith of Johnstown, CO; granddaughters, Brinley, Reagan, and Jordan Smith; siblings Greg (Debbie) Smith, Beverly Hixson both of Dewitt, MI, Brian (Lisa) Smith of Lansing; Diane’s siblings, Rosanne (Jerry) Gumbleton of Bloomfield, Greg (Peggy) Szewczyk of Warren, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Patricia & Bill Fuller, Duane A. & Kay Smith, and brother-in-law Jim Hixson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11AM, Friday, May 7, 2021 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church (1716 6th St., Muskegon, 49441). Visitation will be Thursday, May 6 from 5:30-7:30 PM with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 PM at The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 and one hour prior to the service, from 10-11AM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to AgeWell Services Meals on Wheels. Patrick would like you to help others by donating blood to help replenish the blood supply. Please visit the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Final resting place will be at DeWitt Cemetery, DeWitt, MI at a later date.
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