Donald John Smith

SMITH, DONALD JOHN - Formerly of Clarkston and Flint, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Clausen Manor, Waterford, Michigan.

Service will be at 1 pm Thursday May 22, 2025, at Sunset Hill Cemetery.  

Those desiring may make contributions to the Oakland County Alano Club.
  
Don was born on August 21, 1930 in Flint, Michigan, the son of James and Beatrice Smith.

He married Margaret (Nothoff) in Las Vegas on December 31, 1972.

Don was a salutatorian of Hoover High School, Flint Class of ’47. He also was a graduate of General Motors Institute. He later attended MSU, receiving his Master’s Degree in Business. After retiring, he obtained a Master Gardener certification.

As an engineer, he spent his entire career at Buick Motor Division. He served as Superintendent in both the Assembly and Foundry departments. Don was very proud of being one of the founders of Buick City. He also traveled for General Motors to several sites working on Quality Control Management.

Don loved being surrounded by family and friends. Many can recall the experience of Don cooking his delicious eggs benedict for breakfast. Don had a passion for golf. The yearly “golf outing” with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews for his birthday held a very special place in his heart. Don proudly introduced his children and grandchildren to his love of golf. He and Peg loved to entertain and travel to many parts of the world, especially Hawaii. “Captain Westgate” was an integral part of many Hot Air Balloon Festivals.

Don loved Michigan football. He was all about the Maize and Blue. He manned the grill for many years at the “Ox Pointe” Michigan Tailgate. Don was a people person who had many friends. His positivity and optimism were infectious. He enjoyed his trips with Peggy and friends while hoping to sneak in a round or two of golf. Don was humble and never boasted about the hours spent delivering Meals on Wheels or helping a friend in need. 

Don is survived by his wife, Peggy (Margaret Nothoff);

children, Janeen (Jim) Smith, Terry (Tom) Bird, Martin Elliot (Ellen) Smith, Donna (Randy) Benford, Pam Jando and Angie Feltz;

grandchildren, Justine, Leland, Tom, Gus, Emily, Brett, Zeb, EJ, Johnathon, Maggie and Nicholas, Andrea;

great-grandchildren, James and Olivia;
brothers-in-law, Jim and Tom, Abby and CJ.
He leaves many beloved nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, James and Beatrice Smith; siblings, Isabel (Bud) Mayer, Francis (Bob) Odette and James (Lesla) Smith; brother-in-law, Bob Nothoff; sister-in-law, Bonnie Nothoff; son-in-law, Jim Jando and great-grandson, Blake Edwards.