Barry Smith

I cannot believe it has been this long! I still think of Barry from time to time when I work with clients or when I teach a class about employment issues.

I remember calling Barry for the K athletic phone-a-thon. I didn't know him at the time and chastised him for not attending any K volleyball games. Next thing I knew there he was with his wife supporting our team and having us over to his home for dinner. A very supportive man for all things "K" and an inspiration to us all.

Barry was my proffesor at Western on two different occasions. He was very passionate about employment law and teaching this to his students for application in the real world. He was a kind man. Prayers are with you during this time.

Barry was a classmate of mine at Kalamazoo College, and as I reflect on my many fond memories of "K", Barry and his cohort of friends played a central role. It is with great sadness that I learned about our sudden loss of this wonderful, unassuming, talented, witty and caring human being. Thank you to all of his dear friends who have submitted entries in this website. You have enlightened me further about the richness of Barry's life, of all that he packed into his short years with us. ...

Our heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. We knew Liz and Barry during the years our children were part of the Portage Northern community and although we have not seen the family in many years, we want to let Liz, Kirby & Meg know that as part of that community, our family, Marissa, Jeff, Martin and I share the sorrow of their sudden loss.

Thanks Barry for some great memories over the years at the Air Zoo. I'll miss your smile and enthusiasm for all things-

My deepest sympathies to his family. Barry represented two different companies I worked for in the 1980''s and early 1990's, with Barry as our legal rep in union bargaining. He was a most valued counselor for his clients. While Barry was honest, knowledgable, persuasive, etc., to me his most admirable trait was that he always was looking out for his client's best interests in the best meaning of that phrase. It was truly an honor to work with him. God speed, counselor. Don Schramm

My deepest sympathies to Barry's wife and family. I knew Barry as a fellow mediator for the United States District Court, Western District of Michigan. He was bright and capable with a gentle wit and delightful sense of humor. From many conversations at our annual "VFM" mediator meetings, I learned of his love of airplanes, K College, his work, and, more than anything else, his family. He was a fine mediator and a good man. I am so very sorry for your loss.

I worked with Barry in the 80s and 90s. While at the law firm I saw Barry go from driving a Trans Am to a minivan; from working the Air Show to working at the Air Zoo; from renovating the lake cottage to rebuilding the BT13; and from parties with Barry Burgers to an impromptu rock concert with Barry on guitar.

After ten years, my favorite memory of Barry is not about the office, but of flying. It was at an air show when Barry offered to give me a ride in the BT13. After strapping the...