Dennis Wayne Smitch
March 10, 1948 - November 20, 2007
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Dennis Wayne Smitch
March 10, 1948 - November 20, 2007
Obituary
DENNIS WAYNE SMITCH
March 10, 1948 – November 20, 2007
Dennis Wayne Smitch passed away November 20, 2007 at home with his son Justin Smitch 28 years, wife of 33 years Donna Smitch & mother in law Betty Packard at his side. Dennis was 59 and enjoying life to the fullest prior this fight with cancer. He was born to Colin & Barbara Smitch in Grand Junction, CO. Dennis Graduated from Mohave County High School in 1966 in Kingman, AZ.
Dennis was a blade operator for the last 18 years for Miller Blade Company in Southern California and was working the day before he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on August 22, 2007.
In 2003 Dennis finally got his Harley Davidson Road King Classic, going on every trip he could make time for. His latest and greatest trip was riding his bike from Mission Viejo, CA to Bell Fourche, SD, meeting with friends & his son for their ride through Glacier National Park and over Beartooth Pass then back to Sturgis, SD.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge of Glenwood Springs for 36 years, The Loyal Order of Moose for 36 years, and The Operating Engineers for a total of 42 years.
He is also survived by his sister Cheryl Ann Lumbardy of Grand Junction, Colorado, niece Charlene Charles June of Swansea, Illinois, & niece Colene Chris Rowland of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Visitation will be held at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA, Saturday, December 1, 2007 from 3:00 to 5:00PM. Memorial Service will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary in Phoenix, AZ Friday, December 7, 2007 at 10:00AM. Interment will be at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 1:00PM in Phoenix, AZ.
41 responses to Dennis Wayne Smitch
Trace & Lisa Greenelsh says:
November 30, 2007
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Dennis was a wonderful person & a warm and loving friend. His inspiration and faith in people was unmatched. He always seemed to know when you needed a smile.
His laugh and zest for life will be missed.
We pray The Smitch Family find strength and courage in their wonderful memories. God Bless.
James Jenkins says:
December 1, 2007
Our love and condolences. We know how much you will miss him as he was so easy to be around. Love You.
As Ever
Jim & Myrna
John Auerbach says:
December 1, 2007
Motorcycling with God
At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of all things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like the President. I recognized his picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know him.
But later on, when I recognized Jesus it seemed as though life was rather like a motorcycle, but it had a side car and I noticed that God was on the side, guiding my ride.
I don’t know just when it was that he suggested we change places. When I had control, I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points. But when God took the lead, he knew delightful long routes, up mountains and through rocky places, all at break neck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, he said “Ride.”
I worried and was anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer the question and I began learning to trust. I forgot my life and entered into his adventure. And when I’d say “I am scared!” he’d lean back and touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing and acceptance. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey- our journey- God’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, to much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in my giving, I received.
At first, I did not trust him in control of my life. I thought he’d wreck it. But he knows motorcycle secrets. He knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners and navigate through scary passages. And know I am learning to shut up and ride in new and strange places. I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my new companion.
And when I’m sure I just can’t do anymore, he smiles and says, “RIDE”
Love you Both
John-boy
Dennis May says:
December 2, 2007
I spent some time reading all the wonderful tributes to Dennis on this Guestbook. I truly hope that all his family takes a few minutes to read all the entries. What a wonderful life Dennis must have had and shared with so many people.
Dennis and I shared a friendship in high school and on through our years at Arizona Western College together. In fact, we were roommates for a semester as well. Almost every weekend, Dennis and a few of us at Western would load into his car and Dennis would “hot foot” it up to Kingman to visit other friends, and our families. Sometimes we would not leave Kingman again until VERY early Monday morning to make it back to Western in time for classes.
I envy all those of you that were able to know Dennis for so many years. We lost touch in 1968 when he joined the service and I never saw him again. It was only recently that I heard that Dennis was ill and was able to get an email address to send a hello. I got one email back from him for which I will always be grateful.
To all his family and his friends, we were all so very lucky to have had what time we had with Dennis. I cherish every memory I have of him and the fun we shared. I believe that one day, Dennis’ spirit will stop by to say hello. I know he will. Thank you Dennis for every moment of your life that you shared with me.
Jack Duey, Bill Duey says:
December 2, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to Dennis’ family…we both worked with him through the years as well as having gone to high school with him. We were so sorry to hear about his passing. God bless.
Jack Duey
Bill Duey