Frederick James Smith

Frederick James Smith, age 65, of Rudyard, Michigan passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan after a short battle with an aggressive cancer. He was born on August 31, 1952 to Milbun “Bud” and Dorothy (Tremblay) Smith in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Fred lived in Rudyard his entire life and graduated from Rudyard Area Schools in 1970. He married Sandra Ann Savoie on January 15, 1972. The couple had three children, Juanita (Dennis) Steikar, Juanette (Tate) Hakola and James (Marcy) Smith. His children remember him as a hard-working man who led by example and his advice and wisdom were always valued. Fred started working for the Rudyard Area Schools at the age of 19 until he started working for the Michigan Department of Corrections. For years, Fred worked more than one job. He moved houses for his father in law, Paul Savoie. He started a bottled gas delivery business while also taking over Smith Sanitation. He retired from the Department of Corrections in 2002 with 30 years of state service. Fred lived his life like no other and loved his friends, but was always there for his family. Fred enjoyed hunting and especially his hunting camp, where family and friends would gather to hear his stories. He enjoyed doing odd jobs, especially for family, using his Kubota tractor. After retirement, Fred and Sandy enjoyed traveling south in the winter months pulling their fifth wheel camper. They traveled much of the country in that time. The past several years they have been wintering at home so Fred could attend his grandchildren's many sporting events, tell them stories, and just to spend more time with his family. He always loved his vehicles, especially in the later years, when he started a classic car garage he named "Freddy's Fenders". Fred collected cars ranging from a 1935 Chevy, which was his grandfathers, to his 1983 Zimmer. The pride of his collection was his 1970 GTO. He really enjoyed participating in many classic car shows. Fred would recruit his children and grandchildren to help him drive all of the cars to the shows or to just ride along with him. Fred is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughters, Juanita (Dennis) Steikar, Juanette (Tate) Hakola; son, James (Marcy) Smith all of Rudyard, Michigan; eight grandchildren Lukas, Brendan, Jakob, and Drew Steikar, Korissa and Presley Hakola, and Wade and Saryna Smith. He is also survived by his mother, Dororthy Smith; sister, Hazel (Roger) Metts of Alabama; brothers, Roy (Carol) Smith of Belding, Michigan, Robert Smith of South Dakota, and Paul(Brenda) Smith of Kincheloe, Michigan. Fred was preceded in death by his father, Milbun “Bud” Smith; and brother, Al Smith. There are no words to express how much Fred will be missed by his family and friends. Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 P.M. at R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan. Funeral Services will follow at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Fred to the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to whom the family would like to thank for the excellent care given to Fred in his last few days. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com

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Frederick James Smith

August 31, 1952 - January 6, 2018