Bryan Robert Ian Smith

OKEMOS

Bryan was born to Carmi Buonodono and William B. Smith in Lansing, MI on October 29, 1955. He had a zest for life that was fulfilled through his devotion to his family. He lived a life full of adventures and experiences, but spent much of his adult life devoting his time and energy to the benefit of those less fortunate. He was a big brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization where he positively impacted youths’ lives. He also was a member of the Exchange Club, working to prevent child abuse and neglect. A longtime member of St. Martha Parish, he lived his strong faith in both word and deed. He joined the St. Martha Knights of Columbus Council 10006, eventually becoming a fourth degree Knight. In that organization, he accepted a leadership role coordinating the Tootsie Roll Drive which benefited cognitively/developmentally challenged individuals. During his career as an estate planner, he was liked, trusted, respected and dedicated to the families he felt privileged to serve. Above all, he was a selfless, loving, compassionate husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Bryan passed away January 1, 2018 in Ecuador, South America. His life appeared to be cut short, but those who knew Bryan understood that the quality of his life far exceeded the quantity of time he lived.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmi and sister, Shari. Bryan is survived by his loving wife of nearly 25 years, Dr. Ingrid Stines; son, Austin; daughters, Amanda Nichols of Holt and Maggie (Shawn) Pennell of Holt; grandchildren, Gabe Pennell, Connor Nichols and Cora Nichols; father, Bill Smith (Delores Vanneste-Smith); sisters, Toni Combs, Cindi (Jim) Webster, Robbi (Thomas) Goodine and Tiffani Smith; in-laws, Edouard and Marie-Thérèse Stines; sister-in-law, Carole (Ken) Empey and their children, Margaux Empey and Nick Empey; brother-in-law, Ed Stines and his children, Alec Stines and Sydney Stines; nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Alexandra, Jordan, Erin, McCabe, Rory and Sasha. Bryan was also blessed with many special nieces, nephews and friends, including his lifelong friend, Mark Herrick.

The family will receive guests at St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, Friday from 4-8 p.m. and 1-hour prior to the service. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. The Rite of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Martha Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Those desiring may make contributions to St. Martha School Scholarship Fund, St. Martha Knights of Columbus Council 10006 (write in memory of Bryan Smith on memo line) or St. Vincent DePaul-St. Martha. All contributions may be sent to: St. Martha Parish, 1100 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com