Brad Smith

Brad Michael Smith, age 58, died unexpectedly at his home, Dec. 27, 2022, Traverse City, MI. Son of Ruth Ann (Komraska) Smith and the late George R. Smith.

Brad lived in Midland, Michigan, from the age of two years, until he went off to college. Graduating from Dow High School with scholastic honors, and Michigan State University with a Bio Chemistry degree. He worked as a high school co-op student at Dow Chemical Co and took a job within a lab while in college. After graduation, he went to work in sales for a specialty Chemical Co., traveling a four-state route, putting nearly 40 thousand miles a year on the company car.

After several years on the road, he moved back to the Traverse City area where he was born. Brad wanted to be close to his brother Jeff and the large extended family. He enjoyed the beautiful area he was familiar with and the opportunities that it offered. It was around this time, he met his life partner, Theresa Zantello.

Brad was a collector of ideas and experiences throughout his life. An avid sports and NASCAR fan, downhill skiing, reading, music, movies, and spending time with his many good friends. He loved all the holidays especially Christmas spent with family. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed listening to and sharing stories. Traveling to new places and revisiting his favorites, was something he looked forward to. He called this all, "Adding Knowledge" to his "Book of Life". He was a man of integrity and values, but honesty was above all else. His memory was acutely sharp, and rarely forgot details. His sister, Lisa, called him our "Renaissance Man".

Brad and Terri had 26 years together. During that time, they developed their mutual interests and hobbies into online businesses. They also enjoyed visiting favorite restaurants, trying new recipes, playing trivia, collecting old postcards, photographing wild life and looking into their families genealogy. Terri's unexpected death in October 2022 was especially devastating to Brad. His grief and own poor health was more than his body could recover from. May their souls be at peace and know they were loved dearly.

Brad is survived by his mother, Ruth Ann of Interlochen; sister, Lisa K. (Jerry) Murphy; nephew, Greyson A. Murphy of West Chester, PA; niece, Alexia K. (Joshua) and great niece, Clementine Cole of Downingtown, PA. He also leaves many loving family and friends. Brad was proceeded in death by his father, George R.; brother, Jeffery T. Smith; partner, Theresa Zantello; grandparents, Leon and Ruth Cooper, and George and Loretta Smith.

A memorial gathering for family and friends, will be held at the Golden Fellowship Hall (Old Library building), 9700 Riley Road, Interlochen, MI, Sunday, April 2, 2023, at 2-4:30 p.m.

For those wishing to express condolences, a donation to your local SPCA or Heart Association, would be greatly appreciated.