Paul Henry Smith died in Dorr on Feb. 18. He was 78 years old.
He was born in Grand Rapids, on June 5, 1947, and grew up in HudsonvilleI on the “Smith Farm.”
Paul is best remembered for his sense of humor, his love of science and curiosity. He went back to school in his 30s, with six children, got his GED and a college degree in anthropology. Paul’s picture is in the Grand Rapids Public Museum, working under Dr. Richard Flanders for Grand Valley State University’s Anthropology Lab, excavating Smitty the mastodon.
Paul later became a cultural anthropologist for Eastern African Cultures and started a travel agency with his wife Susie in Dorr, to help the Kikuyu people of Kenya.
Professionally and in his heart he was also a cabinetmaker, and restored many houses in Grand Rapids and made furniture for Jenison Manufacturing. He also was an accomplished musician, minoring in classical guitar at university. When he was young, he even had a band named the Yeomen – for years the band’s picture hung in Farrows Music. He loved to play with his kids, teaching them music theory, piano, and guitar.
While going to college he was a “house husband,” taking care of the house and his kids. Paul is especially remembered for his devotion to his wife Susie, whom he met growing up in Hudsonville.
He is survived by his children, Alexandria Schreiber (Michael Lindsey), Michelle Radeck, Laura Smith-Velazquez (Matthew Velazquez), David Smith; and foster son, David McCowan (Patricia McCowan).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Herman Smith; his wife, Susie Smith; sister, Loia Lee Smith; and foster son, Timothy Julien.
