In Memoriam
Ned Smith
1939-2017
Edward Michael “Ned” Smith, a \valued member of the Grand Rapids legal community, passed away on Nov. 9 following a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Smith was born on March 29, 1939, to Andrew P. and Margaret McGavin Smith in Grand Rapids. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1957, and was awarded a full football scholarship to St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN. He later transferred to Aquinas College, graduating in 1961. That summer, he married Patricia Geer, also an Aquinas student. Smith received his J.D. from Wayne State Law School and joined the firm of Morris, Kleiner which specialized on labor law, later co-founding the firm Pinsky, Smith, Fayette and Kennedy.
Throughout his career of over 50 years, he endeavored to contribute to fair labor practices in the state. He authored The Law and the Worker for various union magazines, and served as a mediator and court evaluator for both Federal and State courts. He was appointed by the Governor of Michigan to the first Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee to represent working people. Smith retired in 2016 from Pinsky, Smith, Fayette and Kennedy. He was the subject of a profile in the Grand Rapids Legal News at the time of being recognized for 50 years in the profession by both the Grand Rapids and State bars.
Smith served on the Aquinas College Board for 23 years, as well as holding many positions affiliated with the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Smith was a proud member, and served as a chairman of, the Kent County Democratic party. Fishing trips, visiting with long-time friends, watching Notre Dame and Detroit Lions football (and swearing at them), watching his four children and seven grandchildren in various dancing, sports events and programs all made Smith happy.
Smith is survived by his loving wife, Pat; children: Edward “Ned” Jr. (Darla Korhorn), Timothy (Cyndi); Katherine (Brady) Smith Kennedy, who joined him at the law firm; Matthew (Susan); grandchildren, sisters and brothers, and other loving relatives.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Aquinas College, 1700 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids 49506.
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