Gary Lee Smith
Gary Lee Smith, a lifelong Michigan resident, died peacefully September 11, 2022 at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Trudy; his brothers, Lon and Steve Smith; stepsons, Matthew (Laura) and Mark (Anna Lisa) Garrison; and grandchildren, Malia and Colin Garrison. Many, many young people called him Grandpa and some lived with Smiths when in need of a safe place to call home. Currently living with Trudy are Eh Ter Lar, Hser Ku Moo and Du Moo. Next door is daughter, Flor (Derek) Fratzke and their daughters Isabella and Arabelle.
The joy in his life was helping kids. He also loved hunting, fishing, photography, and service and mission work with the First Presbyterian Church of Holt and to the refugee community in the Lansing area.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Holt on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Visitation starts at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends can make a memorial contribution to the First Presbyterian Church of Holt or to the Holt Community Food Bank. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
9 Messages to “Gary Lee Smith”
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Mike Munsell
September 14, 2022 at 8:36 pmI first met Gary in December, 1973 when he came to work for Ren Plastics in the Quality Control department, where I was working at the time. We’ve shared a lot of history as we both worked for the same company for more than 30 years.
William Weeks
September 14, 2022 at 10:35 pmEven though he wouldn’t have known it, he was a great influence on me! This is very sad news to hear…..
Ed Altenritter
September 15, 2022 at 7:28 pmI am saddened to hear of the death of my Yucatan trip friend Gary. We sweated through many days doing good things for people. My condolences and very, very best wishes and hugs to his extended family and most especially, his wife Trudy.
My love, Ed
Patricia Scott
September 15, 2022 at 11:29 pmI’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a genuinely kind man who would always go above and beyond to help his neighbors.
Our condolences to his family.
Patricia and Steve Scott
Bonnie Nicholas
September 16, 2022 at 7:54 amSuch a wonderful neighbor, always ready to hep. (Plowed out our driveway several times when I was out there struggling with my snow shovel.) Prayers for God’s strength, comfort, and peace for family and friends who are grieving.
Patricia Scott
September 16, 2022 at 12:05 pmTrudy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a wonderful, generous person.
Peter Henige
September 17, 2022 at 3:25 pmI met Gary in 1979. He was a friend, coworker, mentor, and for a time a roommate. He was one of my first bosses and mentored me in my time at Ren Plastics. For a time we shared a house on Victor St. We would do breakfeast every Saturday morning. I had the good fortune to be around when he fell in love and married Trudy. I considered it a great honor to be included in their wedding party. Although at the time he did not have children he loved being around them. I believe he played Santa at several of the christmas parties. I knew then that he would be a great dad and grandfather. I wished I would have stayed more in touch. He will missed
Larry Parsons
September 24, 2022 at 9:02 amGary was my best friend growing up. His family moved next door to mine in around 1957 and we shared countless experiences as a couple of country raised kids. Our bicycles or our legs took us most anyplace we wished to travel, we frequently camped out in the woods on our parents farms along with the late Ted Stage. Our fathers frequently hunted together and they taught us how to appreciate nature and to safely and respectfully handle firearms. When we reached our teens we would frequently pheasant hunt during the fall season. I have countless, great memories of various escapades with Gary and count myself very fortunate to have him as my as my friend.
Richard Durivage
April 24, 2024 at 10:40 amI was sad to find out about Gary’s passing. We had collaborated together for many many years through his work at Ren / Ciba / Huntsman. I found that Gary was a kind soul with a genuine desire to help us with all our various projects. I enjoyed all my interactions with him and was genuinely sad to find that he passed in 2022. Rest in Peace Gary. Truly one of the good guys.