Kenneth M. Smith
Kenneth M. Smith died on June 30, 2023 in Naples, Florida at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Marlene (Super) Smith; two children Kevin Smith of Howell, MI and Kim BeDen (Phil) of Howell, MI and his two granddaughters Kendell BeDen and Taylor BeDen.
Ken was born in Detroit, MI. He spent a few years in England before coming back to Milford MI where he graduated from high school in 1949. He went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Administration.
Ken joined the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority in August of 1964 where he started as a buyer in the purchasing department of the main office in Detroit. He was appointed Assistant Park Superintendent at Kensington Metro Park in October 1968. He was then promoted to Superintendent of Lower Huron Oakwoods and Willow Metro Parks in Wayne County. In 1985 he made the change to Lake Erie Metro Park as the Park Superintendent, building the park from the ground up which included a nature center, golf course, wave pool, and many trails for bird watching.
Before working at the metro parks, Ken worked in the sales department of Standard Oil Company in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and was a life guard at Kensington Metro Park in the summers of 1951-1953.
Ken was a member of the National Recreations and Park Association, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, the Northwest Parks and Recreation Association and was a member and past Chairman of the Board of Regents of the Revenue Source Management School, a professional development school co-sponsored by North Carolina State University and the National Park Association. He also graduated from this school and was an instructor for many years.
After retirement, Ken and his wife Marlene purchased a home in Naples and spent many winters there. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, traveling, (Scotland, England, Ireland, Alaska, and many other places), walking the beach, games of chance, and spending time with his family. He loved his winters spent in Naples.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents James and Catherine Smith and his sister Doreen Smith.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home--Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
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