Brian G. Smith

Dear Kyle and Smith Family,

I heard about your father and I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry and that I am praying for you and your family. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you and your family, especially you guys still being so young. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to make it to the memorial service, but I wish that I could have been there for you. Your father was so cool and so funny. I loved it when he would come over to help with my mom's business and you would...

I went to college with Brian but met back up with him almost ten years after graduation. We discovered things we had in common like golf (at the time), art, Macs, design, love of Chinese and Mexican lunches, and the typical frustrations and challenges of our careers.

Of all the great discussions, adventures and long phone conversations, the thing I will remember most is how genuine he was. Not one to play a part or hide his feelings, Brian could tell it like it was.

I often...

I have known Brian since 9th grade. There are numerous memories that I could share with you, but the ones that stand out most to me are as follows:
I always remember Brian giving my high school buddies and myself a ride home in his Volkswagon Bug, speeding down the road behind Valley Street Baseball Field, getting the Bug airborne going over the manhole cover mounds in the middle of the road. The person sitting behind Brian would cover Brian's eyes with their hands as he was driving...

Dear Smith Family,
My daughter and I attended the reception in honor of Brian at Meijer Gardens. What a special and beautiful way to celebrate his life. When we walked in Peter Gabriel was playing and the atmosphere was a celebration.
Kyle, I know your dad would be proud of you, as I am.
Sheila and Brittany Hyde

Still looking for you in the hallways at work. We all will miss your twisted humor. The days seem longer without your making my face and sides ache from the laughter.

I worked with Brian at the Press for many years. He made me laugh. He taught me how to swear at my computer. He made me laugh. He showed me neat websites. He made me laugh. He helped me learn how to turn my computer on....and he always made me laugh.
Such an awesome talent as his and his magnetic personality will be missed.
He was a husband, father, artist and friend. Thank you, Brian for being in all of our lives.

I look at Brian's vacant desk at The Press and somehow, muster a smile. I picture him in his Hawaiian print shirt, making his computer create images that the rest of us can barely imagine. Brian's Press colleagues and I have been blessed to experience Brian's wit, wisdom and friendship, and we are all better off because of him. Ronda, Kyle & Kala; I hope you can also muster a smile when you think of your loving dad. He is so proud of all of you.

Brian was my brother . He always had something to say even if you didn't like what he was saying . That was Brian like it or not . He said things the way he saw them but could always make you smile and laugh afterwards . He was always willing to help the ones he loved but demanded you take responsibility for you actions and learn from your mistakes . He knew the way to make it in life was to set goals and work to towards reaching them , having as much fun along the way as possible .
Thank...