Dwight Ross Smith

East Lansing (formerly Jackson, MI)

Age 84, died November 26, 2010, surrounded by his family. Born February 8, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the only child of Roscoe Reed Smith and Mary Walters Smith. Dwight enjoyed a full and fascinating life as a musician, artist, educator and school administrator. Graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and served as Musician 3rd Class in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin in the Pacific. Dwight enrolled in Olivet College, where he met and married Virginia Boyko of New Haven, Connecticut, the love of his life. Dwight and Virginia lived in Olivet, Flat Rock, Grosse Ile, Lansing and Jackson, Michigan, as the family grew to 5 daughters and 1 son.

Dwight was an English teacher and school principal in Huron Township, Assistant Superintendent of Gibraltar Schools, teacher in Ecorse schools, consultant at the Michigan Department of Education, and Assistant Superintendent for the Jackson Public Schools. He received a Masters degree in Education from Michigan State University, and was recognized as a distinguished alumnus of Olivet College in 1984.

Dwight's musical talents included playing the euphonium in high school, the trumpet in the Navy, giving music lessons, and playing in a dance band for weddings. In his 80's, he practiced the trombone daily, playing his favorite jazz standards. His children were infused with his love of jazz and classical music.

Later in life Dwight discovered another avenue through which to express his artistic nature-- painting. As a member and officer in both the Jackson Art Association and the Mid-Michigan Art Guild, he exhibited his work, and assisted in setting up local art shows. He and Virginia traveled extensively in Europe and North America before her passing in 2002. Dwight enjoyed many visits to Pentwater, Michigan with his family.

He is deeply missed by his family. Children: Claudia Smith, Diane (John) Revitte, Dwight (Lauren) Smith, Emily (Tom) Smith-Sulfaro, Amy (Michael) Rose and Lisa (Jon) Smith-Addiss; grandchildren: Ross, Ian, Rachel, Sarah, Kathryn, Corbin, Michael, and Nicholas, and great-grandson Ezra.

The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation on Friday, December 3, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. The family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Ingham Regional Medical Center for their compassionate care for Dwight and his family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions are encouraged to support the Mid-Michigan Food Bank, 2116 Mint Ave., Lansing, MI 48906.