"I was close friends with Ken in the 1960\"s in Bad Axe. Ken shared his flying talent with me one beautiful summer night and offered to take me up in a bi-plane with no doors on it. we flew all over Bad Axe at night and it was beautiful. A few times he told me to hang on to the seat as he dropped about 300 feet instantly for a thrill as well as many wonderful turns. Another time we were sitting around 118 North Street and I was discussing how I needed to get my sister to my sisters in Wisconsin and Ken with no thought at all just said, \"Well I will just fly her.\" and he did. Ken came to my wedding in 1969 and that was wonderful to have him make it. I have many other wonderful memories of Ken, but I wanted all of you to know how special he was to myself and many others in Bad Axe. I am very saddened of his passing but he will remain in my life forever. John"
In loving memory of
Kenneth Smith
Kenneth F. Smith, 71, of Phoenix peacefully passed away in his sleep on November 14, 2014. It saddens our hearts to lose such a kind, loving extraordinary man. Ken was born on September 1, 1943 in Bad Axe, Michigan son of the late Kenneth S and Mildred (Grekowicz) Smith. After his mother's death, Kenneth S. married Rita (Mayes) Smith, Ken's wonderful stepmother. In 1966 Ken enlisted in the Army and saw service in Vietnam with the 213th Assault Helicopter Company. During his tour of duty he was wounded and earned the Purple Heart.Upon his discharge from the Army he returned to Michigan and earned his MBA from Central Michigan University, then went on to obtain his CPA in 1974 after moving to Arizona. Ken had a varied and successful business career. He was CFO of Marathon Steel prior to owning a Chrysler dealership in Indiana. At the behest of Marathon Steel, he returned to Arizona to reclaim his position as CFO. In the early 90's he purchased Triple S. Fence Company and in subsequent years, expanded to include Sunshine Redi-Mix. After retiring, he traveled extensively with his wife and enjoyed spending time with his cherished grandchildren. Just recently he renewed his passion for flying and purchased a small aircraft which he enjoyed tremendously. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita Sampiere, his children Rhonda Martin (Travis) of Texas, Kenneth A Smith (Shellie) of Colorado and John Hogeboom (Dawn) of Arizona. His beautiful grandchildren, Katherine and Shannon Hogeboom, Amanda Larson (Wayne) and Michael Bundy, and his great grandchildren Hayden and Johnathon Larson, all of Arizona. He is also survived by six siblings, Hugh, Dahn (Lori) and John Smith of Arizona, Leo (Linda) Smith and Joan Fletcher of Michigan, Joe Smith of Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death were his two sisters, Lucy (Smith) Ainsley and Mary Smith. A memorial mass will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 330 W. Coral Gables, Phoenix on November 21, 2014 at 10:00AM. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary.
Tributes
"Our condolences to the family of Kenneth Smith. We are not sure, but we think we are old friends of John Smith from our college days at Western Michigan University. We are in AZ for the winter months, and if we are right, could John contact us? Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time."
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of Ken\'s passing. Ken was a great man who inspired us in many ways; his accomplishments, kindness, and his love for his family. We will always be grateful to Ken for believing in us. He had a positive impact in our lives and will be greatly missed."
"My earliest memories of Ken centered around his duties at the airport in Bad Axe, Michigan. I clearly remember being impressed by the things he was able to accomplish and the effort he put into every task he performed. Although it was my pleasure to have flown with a number of pilots in that area, I had as much, and often more, confidence in Ken than I did in most others. At that time he was a great, practical joker and made every occasion more entertaining than it would have been without him. I know the guys I hung around with all appreciated Ken\'s sense of humor and great personality. We were very fortunate to have known him, and he will be missed by many. May he rest in eternal peace."