After a fulfilling life, Edward Michael Smith “Ned”, entered Eternity on Thursday, November 9, 2017 following a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer. Ned was preceded in death by his sister Sheila Pupel; brother-in-law Raymond Walen; sister-in-law Evelyn (Britt) Smith. In addition to his loving wife, Pat, he is survived by children Edward “Ned” Jr. (Darla Korhorn), Timothy (Cyndi); Katherine (Brady) Smith Kennedy; Matthew (Susan); daughter-in-law Kimberly Smith; grandchildren Kennedy Smith; Morgan and Taylor Smith; Meggie and Owen Kennedy; Delaney and Dane Smith; sister Mary Beth Walen; brother A. Patrick (Jelaine Martin) Smith; brothers-in-law Daniel Pupel, Robert (Ann) Geer; sisters-in-law Carol Geer, Laurie (Mark) Michalski; and many dear nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Ned was born on March 29, 1939 to Andrew P. and Margaret McGavin Smith in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1957, and was awarded a full football scholarship to St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN. He later transferred to Aquinas College, graduating in 1961. That summer, at Blessed Sacrament Church, he married Patricia Geer, also an Aquinas student. Ned received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Wayne State Law School and joined the firm of Morris, Kleiner which specialized on labor law. Throughout his career of over 50 years, he has endeavored to contribute to fair labor practices in the state. He authored The Law and the Worker for various union magazines, and served as a mediator and court evaluator for both Federal and State courts. He was one of three attorneys appointed by the Governor of Michigan to the first Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee to represent working people. Ned retired in 2016 from Pinsky, Smith, Fayette and Kennedy where he was a founding partner. He had served on the Board of Trustees for Aquinas College for 23 years, and was also on the Board of OLLI at Aquinas, as well as holding many positions affiliated with the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Ned was a proud member, and served as a chairman of the Kent County Democratic party. Fishing trips and visiting with long-time friends, watching Notre Dame and Detroit Lions football (and swearing at them), watching his four children and now seven grandchildren in various dancing, sporting events and programs all gave Ned many rewarding memories. Visitation will be Sunday 4-7:00 p.m.at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 1:00 p.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Church, 6477 Ada Dr. S.E., Ada. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Aquinas College, 1700 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
