Floyd Smith

Beloved husband of local voice teacher, Fay Smith, died peacefully December 16, 2008 in Mexico, after a short bout of pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his sons and his wife of 43 years. According to his wishes he was cremated in Mexico. Mr. Smith was born September 16, 1916 in Wilkinsburg, PA, son of George Thomas and Gertrude (Bartlett) Smith. From tool & die maker at Electric Sorting Machine Co. in Grand Rapids, he was promoted to Project Design Engineer by his future wife's father, David Cox. Ten years later he moved to Kalamazoo and became Project Design Engineer at KVP Sutherland, now Georgia Pacific, from which he retired in 1985. He then became a Project Engineer Consultant at Perrigo Co. for several years. He was a member of ASTME, People's Church, serving as Board Chairman at least twice, and was very active at the Kalamazoo Civic for many years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Rhae; his parents; and his first wife, Eleanora (Worthing) Smith. On August 21, 1965, in Grand Rapids, he married Fay Cox, who survives. Also surviving are one brother, Gerald Smith of Alpena, MI; two sons from his first marriage, John (Graciela) Smith and Robert (Ana) Smith, all of Mazatlan, Mexico; and his two daughters, Randy S. Command and Margo (Jeff) Command-Heyman, both of Kalamazoo; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a god-daughter, Jill (Dan) Wylie-Sears of Boston, MA; many nieces and nephews; two grandnieces; and many many good friends. Floyd's hobbies included traveling to other countries, especially enjoying being a tour guide, rock hounding, gardening, and poetry. He founded the Kalamazoo Singers, co-founded an investment society, co-wrote with his wife, Fay, three musicals for People's Church, and because of his love for children, enjoyed playing Santa Claus in Mexico. Memorial Services will be held Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 2:30 PM at People's Church, 1758 N. 10th, Rev. Jill McAllister officiating. If desired memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo Singers, Bach Festival Society, Kalamazoo Civic, New Vic Theatre, or People's Church.