Obituary
Guest Book
1949
2012
Ralph M. "Smitty" Smith
East Lansing, Michigan
Loving husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, friend, and brother of many. Born August 13, 1949 in Hudsonville, Michigan to Virgil and Lilian Smith, passed away June 2, 2012 at the age of 62. Ralph served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division. He worked as an inspector for General Motors.
Smitty was a member of the "Family Motorcycle Club" for 40 years. He was described as "one of a kind" and "a free spirit". Smitty loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. He loved to tinker.
Smitty was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Morrow; his parents; brothers, Earl and Frank Smith; sister, Dorothy Crawford and brother-in-law, Donald Kwiatkowski. He is survived by his wife, Debra; daughter, Tracy (Jon) Farthing, Marilee (Mark) Hawkins and Brandi Smith; sons, Brad (Sarah) Blankenship and Dustin Smith; 9 grandchildren; brothers, Tom (Jan) Sjoerdsma and Ted (Kathy) Sjoerdsma; sisters, Leta Kwiatkowski, Betty (Don) Foster, Carol (Dave) Wolters, Pauline (Ralph) Lovell and Bonnie (Kiehl) Jennett; and several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held Friday, June 8, 12:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Home for Children, 2800 W. Willow St, Lansing, MI 48917 in Ralph's memory. On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 14, 2012
jim troost
happy b-day Mike...we all miss you...i volunteered at the VA with fast Eddies sister pat in your name July 28
August 14, 2012
love you Dad Happy Birthday...think of you every day and all day its got no easier I miss you moreevery day..loveya
August 14, 2012
love you Dad Happy Birthday...think of you every day and all day its got no easier I miss you moreevery day..loveya
August 13, 2012
Happy Birthday Smit!!! We know you weren't big on celebrating just couldn't let the day go without telling you...Love Sarah and the kids
June 29, 2012
kristy decker
There's not a day that goes by that i don't think of you. I can't believe your not here anymore. Every time I see a motorcycle I think of you. I remember the time you took me for a ride on Bertha 1 but we never got to take that ride on Bertha 2.I wish we could have done that. You will always be missed but never forgotten.Love you always and forever R.I.P uncle smitty
June 29, 2012
nancy decker
To my special brother in law not a day goes by I dont think of you. You were always there to help when someone needed you. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten
June 25, 2012
Wow, I still can't believe you are gone . My heart hurts for our daughters.They lost you too soon. Every time I see a bike on the road I think of you.You were the love of my life so many years ago.Things just didn't work out for us.Sure hope Deb and the boys are doing well. Give my Mom a hug from me .Know you will always be missed Rose
June 23, 2012
Not a day goes by that you are not missed!!!
June 22, 2012
Love ya Dad R.i.p
June 14, 2012
Charles Renny
Sorry to hear about "smitty", I just herd the news the other day .....he was a good person , and always stressed , on being polite , and show respect to other people , and the times , I got to hang out with him , via the FMC ......great stuff...
June 14, 2012
JILAINA FRALEY
RIP SMITTY FMC!!! I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU MY BROTHER!! RIDE FREE! YOU WERE A TRUE BROTHER TO THE END! I WILL MISS ARE TALKS ESPECIALLY LAST WEEKEND! YOU WERE ALWAYS HONEST AND DOWN TO EARTH! IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW YOU FOR 20 YRS!!!I WILL ALWAYS COUNT YOU AS ONE OF THE BLESSED AND TRUE FRIENDS I HAVE HAD IN THIS LIFETIME! I WILL BE BENDING YOUR EAR FROM NOW N THEN FOR ADVICE! GOD IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU AS ONE OF HIS SOLDIERS CAUSE YOU HAD COMMON SENSE N HORSE SENSE N A SENSE OF HUMOR LIKE NO OTHER! YOUR SMILE WAS CONTAGIOUS! GODSPEED MY FRIEND N BROTHER (((((((((HUGS))))))))) N ALL MY LOVE TO SEND YOU IN TO THE LIGHT ON THE OTHER SIDE! SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY BLESSED BE. PRAYERS TO DEB & FAMILY. LOVE SEALPUP
June 11, 2012
betty foster
will smitty i got to touch you one more time you will always be dear to me your love will alwaybe with me i heard thunder today and i said there goes smitty you are the most wonderful brother a person could be blessed with i love you so much rest in peace smitty i will see you at the gates one day .
June 11, 2012
betty foster
June 11, 2012
AshleyAnne Cuperus
It was great meeting you through Rich Taylor two years ago. It saddens me it was so short but enlightens me to know i get to say i got to meet him. Thanks for always being true. It made a difference in someones life. Ride on! Pony Girl
June 10, 2012
Chris Helmer
Dear Deb and family, just wanted to say how honored I was to help you all get Bertha 2 back even though you got my name wrong;-)
Chris aka Scott
June 10, 2012
CONNIE GERODA
R.I.P. Smitty and God Bless His Family and Friends .. Bubbles
June 10, 2012
Jerry & Sue Royston
Boy, we started out with him on his first trip to Sturgis, maybe about 1980. What a memorable event that was. So very sorry to hear that he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. R.I.P. Smitty and ride free!
June 10, 2012
Jane West
To Deb and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please, know you are in my thoughts. There are never any good words of comfort, at a time like this.
Know that a lot of people will care and look out for you all, now.
I was saddened to hear of Smitty's passing. It brought back a LOT of memories, from GM and of course motorsyckles...What fun we used to have at GM and once in a blue moon you and friends would "go for a ride" with me. I always loved that, about you...You, never had a problem, with females on bikes..."before it was cool"...
I respected you and loved your small kindnesses, to everyone you came in contact with.
Ride safe.
June 9, 2012
Tracy Farthing
Dad,
Today is the one week anniversary of your untimely death. Words cannot begin to illustrate how much you are missed. I hope you are happy and raising hell in heaven! So glad of all the memories you left behind. Your funeral was FANTASTIC with so many friends & family. You were honored by 200 bikers! The thunder was great driving by the clubhouse! Hope we made you proud yesterday..........Love and miss you so much.
T.
June 9, 2012
Mike Goodwin
Dear Brandi: Am so sorry you lost your dad. I wish I were in town to stop by in person. It's never a good time to lose a parent...slowly or suddenly. Your dad will now ride on endless miles of perfect roads in the most perfect weather... I hope you can find peace...and can smile just a little through the tears. Be well... Michael Goodwin
June 9, 2012
Greg Johns
Semper FI. Smitty
June 9, 2012
J.D.
Rest in peace, brother!
June 8, 2012
Ruth Jarrad
I worked with Smitty a long time!! He will be graetly missed! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family! It gives me comfort to know him and Animal can ride free for all eternity!! God Bless you Smitty!!
June 8, 2012
Girls and Mike brothers ,sisters,Deb and cousins. Thanks for all the kind words and always making me feel welcome and still part of the family. I just can't come today I have to many memory ,some good and some bad.I will keep the good one close and pray that Mike has found true happiest .Love you all Rose.
June 7, 2012
Pat & Patty Izzo
Deb, There are no words to say how sorry we are for your loss. Smitty was a huge part of our lives back in the old days at MAC's Saloon and I have a ton of great memories (Too many to count). Pat & I are thinking of you and your family but unfortunately unable to make it to the service. Know that we Love you Deb.
June 7, 2012
Pat & Patty Izzo
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Know that we love you Deb
June 7, 2012
Jarrod, jake,Lily smith
Deb and Dustin;; Our hearts go out to you and your family"s. God bless all of you .So very sorry for your loss.
June 7, 2012
Smitty....you will be so missed by many! Great guy!
Carrie
June 7, 2012
Dianna (Dee) Hanchett (Smith)
Wow, I just can't believe it's true. My heart goes out to you Deb. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
June 7, 2012
Marni Beutler
I will never forget how Smitty always had my back in the early days of the Family MC. Ole ladies where suppose to ride on the backs of the guys bike but I had my own and he stood tall and rode beside me. He was always there for his family and friends. I know you are partying with Animal,Fatman and a few other friends. What a celebration that must be. Thanks for the memories, my friend. Ride on.
To Deb and the Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you, hold tight to all the memories. He loved his famly.
Marn
June 7, 2012
Gary Sternaman
Our sincere condolences, to all of his family, close friends, and fellow-bikers.
Ride free, our Brother. Continue in Peace.
Gary Sternaman, and all of the Proud Veterans Motorcycle Club
June 7, 2012
Girls as I read through all these messages It brakes my heart that you have to go through this .I know that your Dad love you all ,and he knows I will always be taking good care of you all.I can see that smile on his face.Remeber all the good times. You will always be the Smith sisters.You are all so wonderful. You have always made your Dad and I proud !Love you girls ! Mom
June 6, 2012
R.I.P. Smitty, It was awesome knowing you !!!!
Dirt (Rex) Blue Angels MC............
June 6, 2012
Jack an Michele Vis
It has been a few years since I have seen uncle Mike but he will always hold a special place in my heart. Sending hugs a prayers to the family in this time of loss. So sorry we can not be there to pay are respects but I love each and everyone of you. He was a special and unique person that no one hat has meet him could ever forget. R.I.P. uncle mike
June 6, 2012
Julie Rockwell
Comfort and prayers for family and friends,,Ride on Smitty.
Rob & Julie (Mousseau) Rockwell.Kalamazoo,Mi.
June 6, 2012
Jon Farthing
Smitty, I will miss you very much. You always treated me like I was family. I will take care of all your girls. I love you very much and it was an honor to be your son-in-law. RIP. 2Liter
June 6, 2012
Jodi Shoemake
Brandi and family- I send my condolences and a big hug your way. Thinking of you....
June 6, 2012
David Sterrett
God Bless you Smitty, you have been a true and great friend and brother, you will always be in our hearts and minds
"Chopper Dave"
June 6, 2012
Tam Slauter
Aunt Debbie: Words are inadequate...I know, but I am so sorry for your loss. Little did I know then how special your (and Uncle Smitty's) presence at my graduation would be...now I just wish we had a little more time. I am sure Mom is keeping him in line (or at least trying to)! Love you.
June 6, 2012
Brandi Smith
Dad:
The sound of your voice always stopped me in my tracks when you called..."Brand, its Dad"...as if you ever needed an introduction. I weep at the sound of your bike and just yesterday was able to touch it for the first time. I held your leather jacket and buried my face in it. It smelled and felt like it always had. The only thing missing is you.
I see you when I look in the mirror...I hear you in the lyrics of the music I love. I will always remember sitting on the living room floor listening to Linda Ronstandt and Bob Segar records with you.
I know how proud you are of all of us. T, Mar, B, D, Deb and I are wrapping our arms around each other and continue to make you proud by honoring you and what you loved.
God speed Dad. I love you. B.
June 6, 2012
Hi Girls, It Aunt Nan and Uncle Al, We are so sorry for your lose and we are thinking about all of you alot. We love all. If there is anything we can do call. Give all the family our love. Take care.Love and miss you all
June 6, 2012
betty foster
smitty i will miss the rides u would take me on. i remember when i was little i would always come and stay with u and u would take me riding all over. i dont know what iam going to do with out u . i will hold every word every hug sis i love you .ill see you again smitty but my heart will be lost forever with out my baby brother thats something you and i always called each other ride free smitty love your little sister bet love you always
June 6, 2012
betty foster
June 6, 2012
Nancee Grabinski
I will always cherish the memories of the good times me and boozer and tanya and todd would spend with you and deb. you were one of a kind. have a beer with frank when you see him. will love and miss you always. Nancee.... Deb my memories and prayers will be with you always, love you!!!!!!!!
June 6, 2012
Carrie Sparks
Brandi....please know that our thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family all week. We are so sorry to hear of your family's loss:( -- The Sparks Family (Courtney Sparks from Schavey)
June 6, 2012
There is a beauty in your power that makes me want to live. Your gentle manly touch that makes we want to give. Not to own you or dethrone you; just be your Lady friend, cause being you is living from beginning to the end.
Forever Yours, Debra Leigh
June 6, 2012
jim troost
this message is from Rex Durlin...as dictated...
" have not thought about it yet...i don't know...hard to believe that he is gone..he was like a uncle or brother... its hard to believe it ...i don't want to believe it..cause you where a cool / good guy,you know..we used to sit here out on the kitchen table and played cards, and he was drinking his beer, and talking to ma...ya...hope "THE FAMILY" takes care and all good..
Rex( rocket man) Durlin...
~ride on bro.
June 6, 2012
Dad, I love you so much I have so many thoughts and memories and cant say anything every time i start on one another one is already there but i keep telling my self you went to a better place and died doing what you truly loved to do but i am just gonna miss our mushroom hunting adventures every spring our hunting talk in the fall all the tomato s from the garden austin wants to keep your garden up this year and keep growing it for ya year to year and they miss you so much i tell them how special they are to you and they know already but you were the only grandpa they had and thats tough I also feel That i should ask you this but I cant so I am riding your bike to honor you because for some reason i feel you when i am by your bike but as many times as you told me take it out for a cruz I wanted to wait for a day we could roll together and it kills me that it is like this but dad we are gonna ride together friday and dont worry about mom there are so many people she is gonna be ok it will be hard but she will be ok and I hope you will look over her I love you R.I.P Dad.there will never be a day or a hour that goes by that i wont think of you.Love ya......Bradley
June 6, 2012
Todd & family
wow so hard to beleave you are gone uncle smitty may you and dad ride free forever together love you uncle smitty may you R.I.P. will allways remember the great times we had!!
June 6, 2012
Sharla /Brad Mcleod (BMC)
Smitty you were the closet thing to a real brother I ever had, you always called me your sister. Brad and I will miss you! Ride free forever! Blessings to your family.
June 6, 2012
T. Farthing
Dad, I already miss the sound of your Harley riding up my driveway. I would give anything to hear that sound just one more time. So glad we had our last ride so recently. I will miss so many things about you, especially the long talks we had so often and the smell of your "leathers". I loved you exactly the way you were-you know that! I will continue to be the "bossy" eldest daughter and keep our family together as you would want. Ride free Dad and send me some signs that you are ok. Until we meet again............T.
June 6, 2012
4 South
Tracy and Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in all of our thoughts and prayers. Thinking about you often...
-Staff of 4South ( Cardiac Stepdown)
June 6, 2012
T. Farthing
Dad, I already miss the sound of your Harley pulling into my driveway. I will cherish our rides & endless conversations forever. I loved you so much just the way you were- you know that! I am so happy you died doing what you loved. Ride free & send me some signs that you are ok. I love you Dad.
June 6, 2012
Tara Aldred
I love you Uncle Smitty you were an amazing man and i have wonderful memories as a child with you, you were the greatest Uncle someone could ask for RIP you will be dearly missed!!!
June 6, 2012
Mike , you will always have a place in my heart.I will continue to look after our girls.God speed give hugs to our family when to see them again Rosemary
June 6, 2012
Deb Snyder
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Brandi, and with your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
June 6, 2012
Becca Houtman
I miss you so much uncle smitty..may you rest in peace and ride free forever. You may be gone but never forgotten. I love you.
June 5, 2012
Carol Wolters
June 5, 2012
Carol Wolters
June 5, 2012
Carol Wolters
June 5, 2012
Carol Wolters
June 5, 2012
Becca houtman
This candle will burn out but your memory will burn on forever. Rip uncle Smitty
June 5, 2012
Becca Houtman
Uncle smitty you at missed greatly.tears fall like rain, our hearts broken into peices, the memory of you will live on forever. I love you, rest in peace. Ride on in heaven.
June 5, 2012
Megan & Nathan Morin (Rose)
Smitty you will be dearly Missed, I pray for your family and friends who no longer have you in our lives. we love you
June 5, 2012
Greg Wolters
Uncle Smitty you are loved and will be missed. I am grateful that I had the chance to get to know my uncle and you will be missed.
June 5, 2012
Doc Bennett
Ride Free Brother, Doc (SMC)
June 5, 2012
dee morin
Smitty - you will be so missed! Ride free brother - Ugly and Dee
June 5, 2012
Ride Free, Doc (SMC)
June 5, 2012
Deanna Colemans kid
Uncle Smitty, ride on brother-ride forever free. Many tears shed for you but so many memories & laughs to share. Love you forever. Betty Boop
June 5, 2012
Bert-N-Ernie Dalmayer
OUR BROTHER {SMITTY}
Not A Day Will Go By With Out You In All Of Our Thoughts, You Are Now Free To Ride, In The Wind For Ever, On The Other Side, With All Of Our Other Departed !!Our Condolences to The FAMILY
Bert N Ernie HEADS M.C.
June 5, 2012
bre leigh
I love you Grandpa you will be missed I think of you everyday and it won't be the same without you I know you went to a better place R.I.P
June 5, 2012
Melissa Kohler
We love and miss you very much Uncle Smitty. We have so many good memories that we have shared through the years with you that fill our hearts and keep us smiling. Love You Uncle Smit....
Aunt Deb,
Even though we are unable to be there, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
The Kohler Family (Ron, Melissa, Austin & Wyatt)
June 5, 2012
betty foster
I love you smitty you can spread your wings and Ride free forever brother I will miss you dearly
June 5, 2012
Amber Gryzen
Miss you very much Smitty. Take good care of Uncle Larry for us please
June 5, 2012
Smitty , my brother , you are already sadly missed by my wife and I ! You're family is in our hearts and prayers ! Ride Free in " Heaven " !! Love and Respect ! Motor & Biscuit -- Loyal Riders M/C - North Plains Chapter
June 5, 2012
Floyd&Sherri Lancour
From Floyd & Sherri(Heads) our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
June 5, 2012
BETTY FOSTER
I love you smitty you can spread your wings and RIDE FREE FOR EVER BROTHER I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY .
June 5, 2012
jim troost
Smitty ..ride free bro...thinking of you.."the Family" & your Brothers..wish we could have shared one more story and a cold one...ride free...ride free...
June 5, 2012
Amandalynn & Brian Wennersten
Uncle Smitty, ride free, ride forever. The next time we hear thunder, we'll know Uncle Smitty is on a ride. But remember, no burn outs on the streets of gold!
June 5, 2012
HOLLY MOUSSEAU
I love you uncle MIKE 'SMITTY' YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.
June 5, 2012
Anthony and Janice Bender
God be with the family to comfort them in their time of grief...
Showing 1 - 81 of 81 results
Funeral services provided by:
Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more