Geoffrey Smith

Died Thursday, March 1, 2018, peacefully in his sleep at his home. Geoff was raised in Leeds, England and it was there he met Maureen, the love of his life. They celebrated 61 years of marriage. He graduated from York University in the U.K., the University of Alberta, and the University of Michigan. Geoff was the former Dean of Continuing Education at Western Michigan University. He worked in adult education for his entire academic career, first at the University of Michigan, then Grand Valley State University, and finally at Western Michigan University, retiring after 15 years with well over 35 years total service to adult learners. In his spare time, Geoff enjoyed sports, but he loved watching the British Premier (soccer) League and all University of Michigan athletic events. He and Maureen were also avid world travelers, first camping all over Canada and the U.S. with their children and then traveling by plane, train or ship, visiting nearly every continent. But his happiest moments were with his Family and he cherished the time when everyone was together. Geoff is survived by his wife Maureen, his daughters, Catherine and Sylvia and their spouses, his son, Raymond, and seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Geoff will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a passionate British soccer fan, an enthusiastic University of Michigan fan, a lifelong student of history, and an all around good guy. A private celebration of Geoff's life has already taken place in Englewood, Florida, when he lived in retirement at Oyster Creek. He was passionate about higher education and made adult education his life's work. Thanks to his lifelong dedication, countless adult learners have achieved college degrees and went on to enjoy successful careers.