Henry Smit

Henry Smit, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 20, 2021, where he has reunited with his son, Michael. He will be lovingly missed by his wife of 74 years, Jeannette Smit; son, Ron (Vicky); daughter, Sylvia (Pete) Huitsing; grandchildren, Heather (Daryl) Kooiker, Heidi (Glenn) Boone, Kellie (Robert) Roblin; and his great-grandchildren, Payton and Taryn Kooiker, Cicily, Brianna, and Ethan Boone, and Talia Roblin. As a young man in the Dutch resistance during WWII, he positively impacted many lives and developed the principles that would guide his life: never give up, work hard, pray, and read your Bible daily. His stories of resistance and immigration to the U.S. after the war have shaped his family’s sense of pride in what he and Jeannette accomplished, awe in God’s masterful guidance, and gratitude for living in what he called “the best country in the world.” After immigrating to the U.S. with Jeannette and his 2-year-old son, Henry started working in tool and die manufacturing. Driven by his tenacious will, he started his own business with Leslie Tassel: North American Industries. His business supported his family, and he later retired to enjoy his Golden Years with Jeannette, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Up until his last day, his prayers began and ended with thanksgiving. On the wall near the dining table hangs Jeannette’s beautifully hand-stitched image of the home they built together which captures their life of prayer. The stitched inscription reads: “For my house will be called a house of prayer.” Isiah 56:7 Funeral services will be held Monday, June 28, 2021, at Grand Rapid First, 2100 44th St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Kerry Watts officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to CityServe Michigan at http://cityservemi.com/