Leonard Gordon Smith

Leonard G. Smith, age 86 of Sterling Heights, died Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at the Autumn Woods Health Care Facility in Warren. He was born on November 15, 1923 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the son of the late Ernest and the late Ellen (nee: Stone) Smtih. A Canadian citizen for the first 36 years of his life, Leonard relocated to Michigan in 1959 where he secured employment as a Draftsman with General Motors at their Fisher Body facility. With 21 years of dedicated service under his belt, he decided to join the ranks of the retired which he did in 1980. When Leonard wasn't working, and throughout his retirement years, he managed to set time aside for the more enjoyable and entertaining aspects of life. As with most guys and their sports, Leonard's tastes were centered around the games of Hockey and Golf. And of the two, golf was truly a passion he enjoyed. Along with his personal ventures to the various courses he frequented, he was also a member of the GM Tech Center Golfing League. And not only a member, but a past Champion as well. Another favorite pasttime of Leonard's revolved around his backyard and his "joy of gardening." He loved exercizing that green thumb of his, and it showed. Especially treasured through his gardening prowess was his beloved Crabapple Tree. With tender-loving-care, he nurtured his tree to the utmost and truly enjoyed the annual spectacle that blossomed for he and his neighbors to behold. Yet of all the passions he cherished, none were more important than that of his family, friends, and faith. He enjoyed those special bonds of fellowship that he shared at church, and he loved all of the treasured moments that family and friends brought his way. He leaves a legacy of love to those whose hearts were enriched because he cared. Leonard was the beloved husband of Iris. He was the dear father of Wendy (Frank) Wilhelm, Sue (Carl) Laesch, and Linda (Bill) Koenig. Loving grandfather of Scott (Shannon) Wilhelm, Todd (Carrie) Wilhelm, Jennifer Johnson, Carl (Tricia) Laesch, Neal Laesch, Christine (Derek) Dylan, Sherry Koenig, Bill Koenig, and Lauren Loria. Great-grandfather of Tyler and Lainey Laesch, Morgan Johnson, Serena and Tara Wilhelm, and Jonah Dylan. Visitation for Leonard will be on Friday, June 11th from 10:00AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00AM at Community Baptist Church, 33000 Harper Avenue in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Interment will follow at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Arrangements were entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. Please share memories of Leonard at his guest book.