- Date Of Birth: September 18, 1928
- Date Of Death: October 4, 2019
- State: Michigan
Sydney Smith, age 91, passed away peacefully October 4, 2019 at his home in Galesburg.
Syd was born September 18, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to Sydney Smith from New Mills, England and Elizabeth M Smith from Aberdeen, Scotland. His parents met in Detroit after immigrating with their families in the mid 1920’s.
In 1930, his father married Hazel M. (Johns) Smith following the untimely death of Elizabeth. Syd’s esteem for Hazel was evident whenever he mentioned her. She was always his mother; never step-mother. He enlisted in the Army in 1946 and was sent to a post in Alaska where he served for the duration of his service. After the Army, his friendship with a fellow serviceman in Battle Creek, lead to an introduction to Alyce Lorraine Hunt. Romance soon blossomed and the two married in 1950. Their marriage ended after 57 years when Lorraine passed away in 2007. The couple made their home in Kalamazoo where they raised four children.
Later the family moved to Galesburg where Syd resided for nearly 50 years. He was proud of his family and especially enjoyed family outings and time with his grandchildren. Military service was also a source of pride and he looked forward to swapping stories and playing cards with other veterans as a member of the American Legion post 045. As a skilled draftsman, he worked in engineering design and drafting for several manufacturing companies during his career. In addition to drafting, Syd showcased his creative skills by writing poetic tributes for special occasions and sketching cartoon characters for kids. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling and working with Lorraine on family genealogy research. He continued his lifelong hobby of stamp collecting and interest in vintage cars.
Syd is survived by his close friend and companion for the past ten years, Sharon Bowers of Galesburg, three children, Christopher (Cathy) Smith, Allan Smith, and Perry (Debra) Smith. His daughter Susan Smith passed away in April 2019. Also surviving is his sister Doris Anne (Chuck) Miller of Alanson, Michigan, nieces Margaret Miller and Julie Swadling, sister-in-law Joan Ramm, grandchildren, Lisa, Lindsay, Meredith, Lauren, Elizabeth, Drew, Madeline, Molly, great grandchildren, Olivia, Alex, Adam, Xavier and Nyree.
