Richard C. Smith

Richard Smith, 69 (Lakewood Ranch, FL) On June 21, 2017, God welcomed into His Kingdom, Richard Carl Smith. Born on August 16, 1947 to Nan E. (Nicholaisen) and Richard C. Smith, in Lansing, Michigan, Richard (Dick) graduated from Grand Ledge High School, Michigan State University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He was an Eagle Scout, a Page in the Michigan Senate, worked on Gov. George Romney's campaigns, was appointed by Gov. William Milliken as Chair of the Michigan delegation to the White House Conference on Handicapped Individuals and as such appeared live on ABC's Good Morning America. On April 28, 1968, he was severely injured in a motor vehicle accident while on active duty in the Michigan National Guard. His quadriplegia never stopped his determination to make a difference. In 1973, while working an internship at the Michigan Court of Appeals, he met the love of his life. On April 19, 1975, Sharon Czyzewski married Dick Smith, the love of her life. He made a difference as a husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a dedicated employee of the State of Michigan, retiring in 2009 as an Administrative Law Judge. In 1993, Dick and Sharon built the home of their dreams in Holt, Michigan, only a few miles from his beloved MSU where he spent some of his happiest times cheering on the Spartan football and basketball teams. Cherished memories were created when Dick and Sharon traveled with special friends, Barbara and Don Akins and Judy and Joe Salminen to vacation sites, football and bowl games, Final Fours and visiting Big 10 universities for football games. In 2014, after selling their dream home, Dick and Sharon moved to Lakewood Ranch, FL, where Dick was no longer hindered by the cold and snow. Finding the perfect location, he was able to independently meet friends for lunches on Main Street, visit his doctors, barber, dentist and eye doctors, and even pick up prescriptions - all independently. He loved Lakewood Ranch, the FL sunshine, and his Harvest church family where he happily participated with small groups and spread positivity and friendship to all he met. He cherished a very special friendship with Dr. Ken Morrison, who came to call Dick his brother by another mother. Dick is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sisters Lyn (Bruce) Earwood, Nancy (Dan) Dennis, and stepmom, Alice Smith. He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents and nephews Keith Dennis and Patrick Ashley. Also surviving and missing his presence with his many friends are an Aunt, Uncles, Brothers-in-law, nephews and nieces and especially Dick's canine "sons" Sam and Willy. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at Dick's "home" church, the Holt United Methodist Church, at 1 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m.

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Richard C. Smith

August 16, 1947 - June 21, 2017