Michael C. Smith

Michael Charles Smith, beloved husband, father, brother, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at the age of 76.

Michael shared a loving 54-year marriage with his wife, Judy Ann Smith (Dunneback) of Alpine Township.

With hard work they built a successful business and life together. They also shared a deep appreciation for nature. Whether at their home in East Grand Rapids, at Rivercrest in Lake County, Michigan, or at Oceancrest in Palm Coast, Florida, Michael and Judy welcomed family and friends with warmth and generosity. Their homes became places where memories were made, traditions were celebrated, and everyone felt welcome.

Michael was a devoted father to his daughters, Ashley and Tiffany, taking great pride in their accomplishments and cherishing every opportunity to spend time together. He especially loved fly fishing, woodworking, stained glass, the outdoors, and travel, creating lifelong memories on trout streams, woodland trails, and family adventures.

An avid fly fisherman, gardener, and lifelong hunter, Michael found peace in nature. He was happiest walking the woods on the family’s 70-acre property in Lake County, watching the sunrise over the water at Oceancrest, gardening, or simply enjoying the companionship of Judy, family, and their beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Professionally, Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University and his Master of Landscape Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. After beginning his career with Sasaki Associates in Massachusetts and Miller, Wihry & Lee in Kentucky, he returned to West Michigan in 1977 to establish M.C. Smith Associates, now MCSA Group, Inc.

Guided by a belief that great communities are built through thoughtful planning, environmental stewardship, and public engagement, Michael devoted his career to creating places where people could connect with one another and the natural world. His work helped shape many of Michigan’s most cherished parks and public spaces, including Downtown Frankenmuth, Downtown Holland, Rosy Mound Natural Area, Silver Beach County Park, Galien River County Park, Old Kent Park (now LMCU Ballpark), the White Pine Trail, the Amway World Headquarters campus, Grand Rapids Public Schools playgrounds, and the Ottawa County Parks. He also provided planning and design leadership for the City of East Grand Rapids, the City of Holland, Holland Charter Township, and dozens of other communities throughout West Michigan. Through his vision, countless families have places to gather, children have places to play, and future generations can experience the beauty of Michigan’s natural landscapes.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Peter Smith and Betty Marie Smith (Andersen).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Judy Ann Smith (Dunneback); his daughters, Ashley Ann Smith (Thousand Oaks, California), and Tiffany Ann Smith (Ada, Michigan); his sister, Jennifer Swan (James); friends, colleagues, former clients, and communities touched by his life and work.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Michael’s name to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, helping preserve and enhance the parks and natural areas that were so central to his life’s work and personal passion.

To further honor Michael’s lasting legacy, Ottawa County Parks will dedicate a memorial at an informational kiosk in one of the county parks recognizing his significant contributions to the planning and design of the Ottawa County park system. Additional details regarding the memorial and dedication ceremony will be announced when they become available.