Stuart J. Smith

Stuart Smith, 81 years, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2010 in the Hospice of Northwest Ohio Center in Perrysburg, Ohio. Stu was born, September 22, 1928 in Elmhurst, IL to George and Florence (Johns) Smith. He was graduated from the Iron Mountain High School, Class of 1946. Following high school, Stu enlisted in the United States Navy and served until 1948 when he was honorably discharged. He enrolled at Stout State University and earned a teaching degree in 1953. Stu married Phyllis Amacher of Medford, WI in 1953. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Tom (Nan); Bruce (Terri); and, Terry (Leanne). He leaves four grandchildren: Nikki, Ryne, Samantha and Nick. Also surviving is Stu’s brother Bob of Chicago, along with seven nieces and nephews. Stu taught for one year (53-54) at Walworth, WI where he also coached basketball, football, and baseball. He then taught for seven years (54-61) at Vulcan, MI where he coached cross-country, track, and basketball, winning conference, district, and regional titles. In 1961 Stu moved to Crystal Falls where he taught industrial education and United States history, and coached until his retirement in 1986. He also coached cross-country and track. He initiated and organized a summer “All-Comers” track meet - with participants coming from all over the Midwest. Basketball was a large influence on Stu’s life; and, it was basketball for which he was most widely known. It was his life’s work. His teams won numerous conference and district titles with regional titles in ’75 and ’81. The ’81 team lost in the Michigan state championship game. Stu was a member of BCAM (Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan). He was inducted into the BCAM Hall of Fame in 1986, the U.P. Sports Hall of Fame in 1987, and the Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Elks for 30+ years and the Crystal Falls Lion’s Club. Upon retirement from Crystal Falls Forest Park in 1986, Stu moved to Lakeland, Florida. He continued to coach basketball at Santa Fe Catholic High School for the next three years. In 2002, he moved to Ohio to watch two grandchildren become successful high school basketball players. Both moved on to play in the Big Ten, at Indiana and Purdue, respectively. Ever the competitor, Stu was an outstanding golfer. He shot his age four times at 76, 79, 80 and 80. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road on Thursday, April 15, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m Memorial services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Pastor Timothy Carr will officiate. Internment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in the form of a donation to the Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Stuart J. Smith

September 22, 1928 - April 10, 2010