Richard A. "Dick" Smith's Obituary
Mr. Richard A. “Dick” Smith, age 74, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 16, 2005 at his home. He was born July 2, 1931 to Eber and Alice (Smith) Burton in Lansing, MI, and adopted at age 5 by Robert E. Smith and lived most of his life in the Muskegon area. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in Germany. Dick had served as president of the St. Joseph’s Credit Union Board, and currently was the vice-president, had been an usher at the former St. Joseph’s parish, served for the funeral masses, and was a Holy Name member. He volunteered at both Mercy and Hackley Hospitals, had been a Cub-Master for Nims School, and coached Pee-Wee baseball. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and building bird houses. Dick sold cemetery markers for Muskegon Monument Company and Superior Monument Company, and drove cars for Witt Buick and Redeker Ford. He served on the board of Muskegon Catholic Central, and helped with the fish fries at the school. He served his apprenticeship in printing at Dana Printing and retired from the Muskegon Chronicle in 1987 after 26 years as a printer. He then worked at Muskegon Community College as a custodian and was awarded Custodian of the year in 1993, retiring from there in 1994. On September 19, 1953 he married Arlene M. Wickerink. SURVIVORS include his wife Arlene of Muskegon; 5 children, Monica (Ed) Wiggers, Colleen Smith, Maureen (James) Bleich, Mark Smith, all of Muskegon, Christopher Smith of Shelby; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; several half-brothers and half-sisters. Dick was preceded in death by 1 son, Kevin in 1982; 2 brothers, Charles and Clarence Smith. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Friday at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, with the Rev. Fr. Michael Olson presiding. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION at The Walburn Chapel,
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd.,(231) 759-8565 will be from 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday, with the Rosary prayed at 6:00 PM. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Memorials: Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana, or the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard A. "Dick"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard A. "Dick"?
Share a story where Richard A. "Dick"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard A. "Dick" you’ll never forget.
How did Richard A. "Dick" make you smile?