Robert Smead

All who knew Robert Smead would agree that he put the spice into life. If he was around, one was sure to know it as his laughter and antics were his constant companion. Bob was a hardworking man whose family was the driving force behind his desire to succeed as he took his roles as husband, father, and provider to heart. With the love of his life by his side for 66 years, he witnessed his family tree blossom to include the generations who were his greatest source of pride and joy. In many ways Bob was a kid at heart, which made him such an extraordinary father. Life will never be the same without him here, but his legacy that is deeply rooted in faith, compassion, and unconditional love will be carried on by those who follow him. The year 1923 was a year to remember in the lives of a bustling family from Allendale, Michigan, as they were delighted to welcome a healthy baby boy into the fold on September 9th. Robert Peter was the youngest of eight children born to his parents, Charles and Janet Smead, although two of his siblings, Julia and Charles, died as children. He was raised on the family farm alongside his siblings, Gladys, Earl, Darwin, Mary, and Maxine, which meant that from a young age Bob was responsible for helping on the farm as well. He was of English and Scottish descent, his fathers family coming to the United States from England with a fleet of ten ships. They initially settled in Massachusetts but kept moving directly West until eventually putting down roots in Allendale. As a child of his generation, Bob witnessed the prosperity of the decade that is often called the Roaring Twenties. Thanks to Henry Fords assembly line, automobiles were more affordable for the average American family, which provided people with the ability to experience new adventures and see different places like never before. The American housewife was overjoyed with conveniences like the washing machine and the refrigerator while radios unlocked the world around them. The Smead family was given a tough pill to swallow with the death of Roberts father when Bob was just a young boy. He was a student at Coopersville schools, graduating from high school. A short time later he joined the Air Force during the days of WWII, serving as a mechanic. Life was forever changed for Bob, as he was sometimes known, not long after he returned from the service when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Doris. His cousin set them up to meet at a dance. Bob asked to give her a ride home - she agreed - but only if her cousin could have a ride, too. Bobs cousin was actually the driver, and he also agreed to the arrangement after meeting Doriss friend. It worked out pretty good for Bobs cousin in the end, too, as both Bob and Doris, along with his cousin and Doriss cousin, began dating soon after that fateful night. Both couples ended up marrying a bit later, and as part of the same group of friends they continued to see each other frequently for the rest of their lives. Bob and Doris exchanged their vows on March 7, 1947. Together they were blessed with five children: Janet, Phyllis, Steven, William, and Kathleen. As a father Bob had quite the sense of humor and was forever teasing his children. He even had nicknames for them: Janet was Barn Smell, Phyllis was Pee Wee Dooly, Steven was Hammer Head, William was Charlie Brown, and Kathleen was KC. These names were not only their companions during their younger years, but these names stuck with them for the rest of their lives! As a father Bob loved to play jokes and was always finding ways to have fun with his kids. He loved pulling their legs, at times saying things like, We need to go catch some mince so we can make mince meat pie, or, Have you ever caught a mince? Another favorite was, Have you ever found tree squeaks? Bob also loved having his kids ask the man at the hardware store to find the hole for the post hole digger, and he was also known to ask them to mix up a can of checkered paint! It was clear to see that Bob was a firm believer in working hard. After his military duties were fulfilled he began working as an auto mechanic. Eventually he had to leave that trade because of his health, he could not tolerate the emissions. Bob then began working for a gravel company that later went out of business, which was a blessing in disguise as he then landed a job with Consumers Power. He remained there until he retired in the early eighties. It has been said that when Bob wasnt laughing he could often be found playing cards with his wife and their friends. They also enjoyed square dancing together - so much so that Bob and Doris often traveled to many fun places for square dancing conventions. Sailing was another one of Bobs passions as he loved heading out on his 22 foot Catalina called the Deanna Dot. He was out sailing even as recently as the past few years. Bob was also into hunting and fishing, it wasnt uncommon for him and his buddies to rent a cottage or cabin that would accommodate their wives who often went shopping during the day while the men were doing their thing. At night they all gathered to play cards. Bob also enjoyed reading and gardening in his down time. A true blessing in the lives of those around him, Robert Smead was a gift in every way. Life was not without times of trial for him, but he held fast to his faith as he weathered the storms. Bob was blessed to spend nearly 70 years with his true love by his side, and he was a fantastic father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as well. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Robert Smead died on May 20, 2013. Bobs family includes his wife, Doris; daughters, Janet Webbert (Bill) of Houghton Lake, and their son, Troy (Jennifer); Phyllis Reinke (Gerald) of Troy, OH, their children, Scott, Bryan and Erin; Kathleen (Jack) Hamacher of Martin, MI, their children, Lisa of Grandville, Richard of Fruitport and Christopher of Ada, OH; sons, Steven (Deanna) Smead of Holland and their children, James (Angela) Smead, Nicole (Will) Baker also in Holland, and Dennis (Stacy) Smead of Borculo; William (Julia) Smead of Bedford TX and their children, Jennifer (Angel) Hernandez of N Richland Hills TX, Adam (Sarah)Smead of Ft. Worth TX; great-grandchildren, Christian, Bryan, Molly, Alice, Lucille, Aaron, Alexa, Michael, Kallie, Isaac, Arik, Kayan, and Arianna; sister-in-law, Jeanette Smead; and his four legged children, Buddy, Patches and Pipi who are their cats. Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Julia, Charles, Gladys, Earl, Darwin, Mary, and Maxine. Services will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation held one hour prior at the Ottawa Center Chapel, located at 8991 Leonard St, Coopersville, MI, officiated by Pastor Robert Porterfield with a reception immediately following the service. Visitation will also be held Thursday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Clock Funeral Home, located at 16777 Lincoln Street, Grand Haven MI. Memorial donations can be given to Ottawa Center Chapel.