Richard Harlan Smith

Richard Harlan Smith of Mason, Michigan was unexpectedly called to heaven by his Lord and Savior on June 1, 2015. Richard was born on April 20, 1951 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Harlan Evro Smith and Mary Jeanette (Davis) Smith. He spent his very early years in Jackson before moving to Mason with his family in 1964. Richard, or Rick as he was known, graduated from Mason High School in 1969. He was a member of the MHS Basketball Team as well as a member of the MHS Golf Team that won the State Class B Championship during his senior year, the first team to do so in the history of MHS athletics.

He went to Alma College for one year, but transferred to the University of Michigan in order to study Business Administration. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1973. After college, Rick’s work experiences included the family business, Smith Hardware, in Mason; Branson Bay Golf Course; owning his own roofing and siding business; Country Club of Lansing; and Ace Hardware in Eaton Rapids. Rick participated in many outdoor activities, but he specifically enjoyed wilderness skiing in Colorado and British Columbia and mountain biking in Michigan, Florida, South Carolina and Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Smith, and is survived by his wife, Jennifer Deibler of Mason, his mother, Mary Jeanette Smith of Mason, his brother, Allan Davis (Jo) Smith of Colorado, two nieces, Brianne (Eric) Scott of Missouri and Stephanie (Zachary) Utley of Colorado, and two grand nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Mason, 131 E. Maple Street, Mason, MI and one hour prior to the service. Memorial Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2015 at the Church with the Rev. Bill Pinches officiating. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Ball Dunn Chapel, Mason, Michigan. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.grbdmason.com