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Harry Smith Obituary

Harry R. Smith Lansing Died June 16, 2010 at the age of 71. Born in Niles, Michigan August 16, 1938 the son of Dorothy (Alwood, Smith) Lautzenhizer and Harold T. Smith. He is survived by his wife June, daughter Lisa (Scott) MacKenzie, son Mark, and granddaughter Shiana. Harry's mother, Dorothy, also survives. The first in his family to go to college, he held both Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Michigan State University. Harry worked for the State of Michigan in Vocational Rehabilitation and upon retirement, for MARO. Harry will be remembered for his extraordinary career accomplishments, exhaustive professional service contributions at the local, state, and national levels, and the significant, long-term impact he had on the lives of citizens with disabilities, and those professionals who provide rehabilitation services over the past 35 years. According to his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Harry's final gift was to the MSU Willed Body Program. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at an Irish-style wake on July 11 at Rookie's in Lansing at 2p.m. Memorial donations to Ralf A. Peckham Memorial Foundation, Dr. Michael J Leahy, College of Education, Michigan State University, 463 Erickson Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824 (517) 432-0605. View/share online tributes/condolences at http://harryrsmith.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jun. 20, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Marlene Bence

July 6, 2010

Harry Smith


Hardworking, funny, affectionate, intense, ambitious, dedicated to rehabilitation and the many positions he held in that field--Harry Smith was always a man with a mission. Actually he was usually a man with many missions and the trick was figuring out which one might be at the top of his agenda on any given day. Usually one did not have to wait long to find out as Harry was never given to being subtle about his goals. Remember this line? “I am calling in my chits and this is what I want you to do.” I learned so much working with (and sometimes arguing with) Harry, and overtime he became one of my favorite people as well as a very dear friend. He was perhaps a little rough around the edges but I found him charming and engaging. He loved to win in any situation and usually did prevail but even in those rare cases where he had to concede some point or other he could do so with class and friendship and humor. I mourn his death and shall always remember him with great affection.

June 25, 2010

I'm so sorry to learn of Harry's death. The last word we had had been so promising. Harry was both a friend and mentor to me. We had great times when we both were living in Jackson. He worked tirelessly and passionatly for the agency and later MARO in his constant quest to further the cause and help improve the lives of people with disabilities. He will be missed.
Kyle Haselden

Deb Duke Taylor

June 22, 2010

Harry will be missed by so many of us here. His knowledge, passion and compassion for his industry and the individuals he served have touched the lives of all of us.

We have been friends for 20+ years. My heart is sad for this loss. To June and his children and mom, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo VanNorman

June 21, 2010

So sorry to hear about your loss. I worked for Harry as his secretary for five years in the late 70's. He was a delightful person.

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

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