Kenneth McCallum Smythe

Kenneth McCallum Smythe, 81, passed away on June 1, 2020 with Gayle, his loving wife of 57 years, by his side. He was born on December 5, 1938 in Detroit to James and Williamina (McCallum) Smythe. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother James and his sister- in- law Carol McHale.

Ken had a passion for education and enjoyed his work as a University Attorney at Wayne State University in Detroit (his alma mater), Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and the University of Illinois/Chicago. Working in the Universities often gave him the chance to teach law classes which we remember as some of his happiest times. After 30 plus years in the practice of law he had earned his early retirement and enjoyed 20 years of sunny retirement in Arizona.

He loved hockey, especially college hockey and after moving to Columbus Ohio was on his way to becoming a Columbus Blue Jackets fan. He enjoyed woodworking and volunteering at the Spring Training baseball games in Arizona. He also liked to dabble in the local and community politics. His love of classical music was private passion that traveled with him as he had season tickets from Detroit, Kalamazoo, Chicago, West Valley and Columbus Symphonies.

Besides his best friend and wife Gayle D. (Pearson) Smythe he is missed by daughters Karen Murphy (Michael) Griffis, grandsons Andrew Murphy, John and Matthew Griffis of Fishers Indiana and Katherine (Daren) Griffith, granddaughter Abigayle Kay and step grandsons Colton and Tyler Griffith of Marysville, Ohio. Family in Florida- brother-in-law Warren McHale, nieces/nephews, great nieces and nephews especially Nephew Bruce McHale. There hasn’t been a day in the past 60 years that didn’t include a family dog or dogs and he leaves behind “Angel”.

Private services will be held in Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ken’s memory to either Ohio Living Hospice, https://www.ohioliving.org/home-health-hospice/; or the Columbus Symphony, https://columbussymphony.com/support/individual-giving.