Daniel Smith

There are many things that can be said for a man like Dan Smith. Foremost in his heart of hearts was the love he held for his family, especially his nieces and nephews whom he thought so much of. An electrician by trade, Dan was a true friend who enjoyed getting together with those he was close to. Although he tried not to let his health issues get the best of him, he was never one to sit still for too long. Even in the midst of his troubles, Dan set out for a new lease on life where he enjoyed the open road. Forever in the hearts of those he leaves behind, he will be sadly missed and never forgotten.

The hottest thing on wheels, the '55 Chevy found many Americans with their car radios tuned to the chartbusting hit from Bill Haley and the Comets’, “Rock Around the Clock”. At home, family television sets were dialed to “The Mickey Mouse Club”, along with dreams of visiting the newly opened “Disneyland“ in California. A favorite of young boys everywhere, Davy Crockett films introduced a world of adventure for those wearing his ever popular coonskin cap. In the bustling city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, December 3, 1955 marked an especially memorable day for the parents of Daniel Joseph Smith when they celebrated the birth of their bundle of baby boy.

Born to Bernie and Doris (Cianti) Smith, Dan was the second of four children in the Smith household. They made their home on the city’s lower west side where Dan grew up with his siblings and neighborhood friends. A typical boy, he found his share of mischief during his youth, but special memories include times spent in the Remus area when his dad was building the family cottage. As young kids, many weekends were enjoyed there where Dan shared adventures with his brothers playing, hunting and fishing. He and his brother Rick spent numerous hours going around the lake in their fishing boat equipped with a small outboard motor.

With a natural curiosity for how things worked, Dan had a knack for taking things apart and putting them back together again. While his dad introduced him to hunting, Dan had an appreciation for being outdoors and enjoyed the wide open spaces. He attended school and church at St. James, and in high school began boxing where he enjoyed competing for several years. He went on to graduate from West Catholic High School.

Dan’s dad was an electrician, and after high school, Dan decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went on to earn his journeyman’s license and became an electrician as well. He was a member of the IBEW and even worked side-by-side with his father on several jobs. Although he would never have admitted it, he enjoyed working and learning alongside his father. Dan was a good electrician. He knew what he was doing, and did his work well. His job included a fair amount of traveling to large construction sites throughout Michigan, but he thoroughly enjoyed his work which made all the difference.

Although Dan generally kept to himself, he became outgoing when in the company of family and friends. There were many things he loved, like snowmobiling, and he also enjoyed occasionally going to the casino with a friend and playing a few games. He was a member of the Son's of American Legion Post #258, Boat & Canoe Club. Dan was a friend to many, but he generally had a small group of friends he was especially close to. His nephews and nieces meant much to him, and he enjoyed seeing them whenever he had the opportunity. He often times would just stop by to simply say hi, and always remembered them with something for their birthdays.

Quite handy around the house, Dan was able to fix just about anything. Always willing to lend a hand when called upon, he was there when needed with just the knowledge to get the job done or the situation at hand resolved. He also loved working on race cars. At one point a childhood friend from the neighborhood began driving a car at Berlin Speedway on the weekends. Dan jumped at the opportunity to help him work on his car, and he also worked on the car at the races as part of the pit crew for many years. With his natural, curious nature about how things worked, Dan learned by working with friends and was self taught.

Difficult times began for Dan about six years ago when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The disease limited his abilities, and he could no longer do the electrical work he was accustomed to and loved. Not wanting to just sit idle around the house, he went on to earn his CDL license and began driving a semi for Van’s trucking. He spent a lot of time on the open road driving throughout the mid-west. Not allowing the disease to get the best of him, he spent his weekends up at the family hobby farm in Luther where he always lent a helping hand in various ways.

Dan suffered another setback about a year ago when he had a stroke. Things began to look up for him once again after about six months of recovery when he was faced with an aneurysm. After many weeks in the hospital, he was able to finally return home. Although frustrated with his problems, he recently saw his doctor and things were looking toward a good recovery. It was refreshing news and it gave Dan new optimism for the future. However, on Sunday, October 24, 2010, Dan tragically collapsed at home, and at the age of 54, he sadly passed away.

Although he pretty much kept to himself, there are many things that can be said for a man like Dan Smith. He held close the love he had for his family, and enjoyed the friendships of several close friends. As handy as they come, Dan was good at what he did and did it well. He enjoyed his work, and was never one to sit still for too long. He strove to overcome his obstacles, and in the end, had a positive outlook. He will be sadly missed, but forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Dan is survived by his parents, Bernie and Doris Smith; his brothers: Dave (Amy) Smith and Bernie R. “Rick” (Katherine) Smith; his sister, Judy Smith; nephews and nieces: Brett Parent, Morgan, Nolan, Derek, Deanna and Nina Smith; uncles and aunts: Henry Smith and William (Eleanor) Smith, Caroline Smith; several close friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 28, 2010, 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Friends may visit with Dan’s family on Wednesday, 6-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where the Rosary will be prayed at 8:30 PM. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or to sign his online guest book.