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Albert "Smitty" Smith

June 19, 2010
Grand Rapids, MI

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SMITH - Albert P. Smith, "Smitty," age 92, has conducted his last earthly performance. Smitty passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 19, 2010. Smitty was born on January 23, 1918 in Midland Park, New Jersey, the third son of Albert E. Smith and Elizabeth Walchenbach. Smitty graduated in 1935 from Eastern Christian High School in Midland Park, New Jersey. Smitty came to Grand Rapids in the fall of 1935 to attend Calvin College and graduated in 1939 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, the first of his family to obtain a college degree. Shortly after graduating Smitty took his first teaching position directing band and choir at Godwin High School. It was around this time that Smitty met Mae "Mazie" Nagelkirk, the love of his life. In 1942 Smitty was called into military service. While in the service, Smitty graduated from Army Music School as Warrant Officer Band Leader and completed his army career in 1946 as Musical Therapist at Bushnell General Hospital in Utah. In September of 1945, while in Grand Rapids on leave, Smitty and Mazie were married thus beginning a joyful 64 year marriage and a long life with Mazie and their three children, Cindy, Doug, and Diane. Smitty deeply loved life with his family and was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. After returning to civilian life in 1946 Smitty returned to Godwin High School for only one year at which time he was offered a position at Grand Rapids Junior College as its first full time music director. Over the next 35 years Smitty and his eventual music department staff of ten built a highly regarded music program which provided students the coursework to seamlessly transfer to any college or university in the State. During his years at Junior College Smitty continued his own musical education, receiving his Masters in Music Education from the University of Michigan in 1948 and pursuing advanced musical studies at Michigan State University and Oakland University. Over the years Smitty also was the musical director of numerous groups including the Calvin College Veterans Choir (1947 to 1951), the Zeeland Civic Chorus' annual Messiah performance (1947 to 1988), the Calvin Alumni Players annual performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta (1967 to 1980) and numerous church choirs including 22 years as chancel choir director at LaGrave Christian Reformed Church (1963 to 1985) where he was a member. In 1962, the Grand Rapids Symphonic Choir was organized and Smitty was chosen as its first director. In recognition of Smitty's contributions to the musical culture of West Michigan, he was awarded the first "Award for Meritorious Achievement in the Arts" at the 1971 Grand Rapids Arts Festival. In addition to his work in music, Smitty was also a skilled carpenter, landscaper, and gardener and built a number of homes including the two that he and Mazie lived in through most of his adult life. He also built a small cottage in 1960 on a secluded lake south of Baldwin which was always a place of quiet solitude for him and his family. Throughout his adult life Smitty loved to take family trips east to New Jersey to visit relatives or west to experience many of the national parks. Smitty is survived by his loving wife, Mazie; daughters, Cynthia Streekstra and husband, Larry of Ada, Diane Smith of Lowell, son, Doug Smith and wife, Jude of Grand Rapids; niece, Elaine Hoekstra of Grand Rapids; sister-in-law, Rachel A. Smith of Wyckoff, New Jersey; grandchildren, Leah Bell, Matt Streekstra, Mark Streekstra, Alex Smith, and Quin Smith. He is predeceased by his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Smith; brothers, Peter E. Smith and Lt. Col. Lambertus P. Smith; and niece, Joanne L. Van Lenten. The family would like to thank Faith Hospice of Holland Home for all of their compassionate care given to Smitty during the last months of his life and to his many faithful friends who were always by his side. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at LaGrave Ave. Christian Reformed Church with Rev. John J. Steigenga officiating. Visitation Tuesday at the Zaagman Memorial Chapel from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand Rapids Community College Foundation for Albert Smith Scholarship or La Grave Ave. Music Program. Zaagman Memorial Chapel