Terry Smit of Hopkins died Monday, July 20. He was 73.
Terry, his brother, Keith Smit, and his cousin, Dan Jager, were owners of Peaceful Road Farms and Hopkins Elevator. Terry was a trusted animal nutritionist. In 2013, the sons of the partners, Paul Smit, Andy Smit, Dave Smit, John Smit, Nate Jager and Eric Jager took over the management of the farm and elevator, but the original partners still had an active role in both operations.
Music was a great joy in Terry’s life. In 2001, he built the Big Rock Music Barn.
Terry is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Amy Smit (daughter-in-law), Becky (Stan) VanderPol, Andy (Lisa) Smit and Emily (Kevin) Martin; siblings, Kathy (Ken) Klaasen, Sara Post, Keith (Deb) Smit, Julie (Stan) Alphenaar and Trudy (Phil) Eshuis; grandchildren, Zachary (Brittany) Smit, Devin Smit, Olivia Smit, Elaina Smit, Grace (Chan) Kim, Lucy (Reuben) Veen, Jonah Vander Pol, Silas Vander Pol, McKenna Black, Ethan Black, Ericka Black, Luke Martin, Blake Martin and Vivian Martin; great-grandchildren, Paul Smit, Ivy Smit, Thatcher Smit and Elias Kim.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Elleen Smit; son, Paul Smit; grandson, Dillon Black; and brother-in-law, Russ Post.
Memorial donations may be made in Terry’s name to At the Master’s Feet – Elevator Fund or Missionary Fund at 814 21st St., Otsego, Mich., 49078.
Per Terry’s wishes, the family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at The Big Rock Music Barn at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26, followed by a big supper held outside with tents, so that social distancing may be observed.
