Henry "Hank - Bud" Smith

With integrity and compassion, Henry Hank Smith lived life worthy of his faith. Always thinking of others, he would help anyone at a moments notice. Hank simply made the world a better place just by being the wonderful man that he was. He spoke kindness to all, and never intentionally hurt anyones feelings. Above all, Hank was a devoted husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather and great-grandfather, and he cherished his family with all of his heart. A friend to many, no one was a stranger in his company. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. While braving the cold winter days and preparing for the upcoming holidays, Henry and Louise (Parmenter) Smith were especially busy preparing for the birth of their second child. Born on December 15, 1928, they welcomed Henry into their loving arms in the close knit community of Lakeside. Located on the banks of Muskegon Lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, Hank grew up with his older sister Virginia. As Americans enjoyed laughter with the likes of Laurel and Hardy, their radios were tuned to Will Rogers and record setting baseball games. On the threshold of the Great Depression, hard economic times were just around the corner, and the days to come would affect every city across the nation. The family of four lived on Cutler Street where Hank formed lasting friendships. His father worked as a mechanic for the Ford Motor Company, and his mother was a homemaker. A close family, their home was never short on love. His mother made the most delicious meals, and their home boasted the aroma of fresh baked bread, welcoming all who entered. Hank enjoyed a childhood of adventure growing up with neighborhood friends. He spent endless hours with his best buddies, Hugo and Ron Hotz. Lake side living provided many opportunities for Hank and his family to enjoy. He swam and fished often, and enjoyed excursions out on their ice boat. Several family trips were taken together where memorable times were shared. Hank attended Muskegon Public Schools and during the summer of his Junior and Senior year, he worked part-time at S.D. Warren. He went on to graduate from Muskegon High School with the Class of 1948. Right out of high school, Hank began his lifelong career working for GTE, but his attention was soon focused on a pretty young girl. It was love at first sight for young Hank when he was introduced to a friends cousin named Shirley Bellanger. Once their eyes met, love filled the air. They loved being together and enjoyed time spent on the lake and at the beach. After dating for two years, Hank and Shirley were blessed in marriage on May 20, 1950 and spent a memorable honeymoon at Niagara Falls. With Hank working at GTE and Shirley working for the U.S. Post Office, the couple began their life together secure in their jobs and in their love. It wasnt long before they began their family. They welcomed the birth of their daughter Susan in 1951, and Thomas completed their family in 1957. Hank could not have been happier. Overjoyed, they loved nothing better than being together. They raised their family in the Catholic faith and were devout members of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church where for many years Hank served as an usher. Sunday afternoons were spent down at the lake watching the trains come through, and they enjoyed family picnics and vacations, too. They visited great destinations like Atlantic City, New Jersey, Chicago, Illinois, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They traveled west to California and south to Florida, and wonderful memories were made on Mackinaw Island in Upper Michigan and at the Wisconsin Dells. Hank always had a dog growing up, but the prospect of a dog for his family was quickly diminished when their family pup relieved itself on the backseat of Hanks car. They ended up settling for a pet turtle named Elmer. Always supportive of their childrens activities, their home was usually a flurry of activity. Hank and Shirley enjoyed entertaining and having friends over, especially if Hank could enjoy happy hour with a nice cold one, a Bud light. A likable man, Hank was a friend to many, and never met a stranger. He had a knack for fixing anything, and if a part couldnt be found, he was sure to make one. Hank was the sort of guy that would drop what he was doing to help a friend or family member, especially if it involved tools. Extremely organized, Hanks tools from his workbench to the garage including every household item was neatly organized and labeled accordingly. Always maintained and in excellent running order, his cars, yard and home were immaculate. As the kids got older and had families of their own, Hank loved doing projects for them. He would often draw up plans and build what they needed, or fix what needed fixing. Never one to draw attention to himself, Hank cherished his beloved Shirley and looked after her with loving care. He made her feel special each and everyday they had together. He provided a good life for them and after 45 years with GTE, Hank retired in 1987 as a Special Services Manager. A shining example of loyalty, his dedication and work ethic made a great impact on his family. Each of his children led lives by his unwavering example. Once retired, Hank and Shirley spent much time enjoying the company of friends, especially their close friends, John and Joann. Although fondly known as Hank or Bud to most, Hank kept in touch with all of his retired friends from GTE and was a faithful member of the GTE Pioneer Club. He also enjoyed his membership with the Eagles Post 668. With time to dote on their wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they also acquired an adoring grand dog named Freddy. Hank and Shirley spent every January through March in the warmth of Orlando, Florida and made many friends there as well. Over the last year Hanks health began to fail and he endured heart surgeries. Always thankful for each day he was blessed with, and never gave up. At the age of 81, Hanks last round of health issues was too much for his body to bear, and sadly, he died on Monday, January 18, 2010. Although his battle was lost, Hank leaves a lasting legacy of love, devotion and dedication in the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed. Henry R. "Bud-Hank" Smith is lovingly survived by his wife of 59 years, Shirley; son, Thomas (Janice) Smith; daughter, Susan (Allen) DeGroot, both of Muskegon; grandchildren, Bryan (Sarah Carlson) DeGroot, Becky (Eric) Walachovic; great-grandchildren, Chase and Grady; brothers-in-law, Fred (Aggie) Bellanger and Jack Boyd; sisters-in-law, Katherine (Wallace) Sweet and Ivah McCue; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his grand dog, Freddy. Hank was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia (George) Keith. SERVICE: Friday, January 22, 2010, 2:00 PM at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Fr. Anton Tran officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION: Thursday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon and Friday, one hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: St. Francis deSales Catholic Church or Mercy VNS & Hospice. Please visit clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or photo of Hank or to sign his online guest book.