Obituary of Harold J Smith

Harold “Smitty” Smith, 79, of Niles, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday evening at his residence. He was born on August 27, 1941 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Harold A. and Esther L. (Bowers) Smith. Harold graduated as a “Buck” from Buchanan High school, class of 1959. Harold married Linda Riland on February 20, 1960 at a ceremony at the Church of Christ in Buchanan. Harold owned and operated Smitty’s Marine into the 90’s and retired from Oselka Marina, many recall purchasing boats from him. Boating was more than just a job to him, it was his passion. He enjoyed many years of racing boats and thousands of hours on the water. He was a member of the Michigan Boating Association, where he served in many capacities including president and was inducted into the Michigan Boating Hall of Fame. He also was a sports enthusiast watching NASCAR, Notre Dame Basketball and was a Green Bay Packers fan. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Smith. Harold will be dearly missed by his wife, Linda Riland Smith of Niles; daughters, Shelly Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jill Smith Turtle (Jamie Turtle) of Niles; three grandchildren, Christie Turtle Moore (Sean Moore), Catlin and Alexandria Turtle all of Niles; four great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Sharon Smith of Phoenix, Arizona as well as countless other close family members and friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at Hope Community Church at 2390 Lake Street in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to his family or to the Brain Parker Foundation. Memories and photos may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.