Paul Alan Smit

July 30, 1960 ~
January 24, 2022

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Paul Smit, age 61, of Jenison, went to be with his Lord on January 24, 2022, surrounded by his family. Paul was born in Seoul, Korea in 1960 and adopted into the Smit family in 1969. He was preceded in death by his mother, Winifred (Feenstra) Smit; mother-in-law, Janice (VanHouten) Pylman; and sister, Mary Smit. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Debra (Pylman) Smit; daughter, Jennifer (Joseph) Keizer; son, Anthony (Chelsea) Smit; granddaughter, Kaelynn Puff; father, William Smit; brothers and sisters, Laura Smit, Jane Smit, Charles Smit, Sally (Brian) Verstraete; father-in-law, Henry Pylman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Joy) Pylman, Thomas (Vicky) Pylman, Mary Pylman, Randy (Cindy) Pylman; as well as many nieces and nephews. Paul attended Oakdale Christian School, Grand Rapids Christian High School, and the culinary program at Grand Rapids Community College. He began his long career with Russ’ restaurants while still in high school and especially enjoyed mentoring the young people that he supervised. He took great delight in the work that he did at his church as an elder and deacon. Paul was always quick to speak of the overwhelming grace that God had shown him throughout his life and in these last weeks faced death with the certainty that nothing could separate him from God’s love for him. The family will greet visitors Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. A service will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Cottonwood Church, 1101 Cypress Dr., Jenison with Rev. Matthew Palsrok officiating. Burial Winchester Cemetery in Byron Center. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cottonwood Church.

Service livestream link: https://www.cottonwoodcrc.com/smit

Visitation
Thursday, January 27
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation
Thursday, January 27
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418
Get Directions

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Funeral Service
Friday, January 28
11:00am

Cottonwood Church
1101 Cyprus Dr.
Jenison, MI 49428
Get Directions

Leave Your Tribute Message

Leave Your Tribute
January 30, 2022 3:35pm
greatest sympathy to u all in loss of paul. husband father grandfather , prayers for u all in this time . knew Paul several yrs ago from church

- jerry king

January 28, 2022 12:04pm
I echo Nancy Smit's words, remembering Rook games in the Smit kitchen whenever we were on furlough. We really enjoyed that time together as cousins. It was a blessing to watch the service via livestream this morning. Paul's love and dedication to God, family, and work all came shining through.

- Tricia Timmer Kok

January 28, 2022 7:13am
Paul was single handedly one of the most energetic and full of life and fair lessons. He taught me allot and I will always remember him!

- Brent (Titus from Paul)

January 27, 2022 5:55pm
Paul was my manager for many years at Russ' Cutlerville. He was as willing to jump in and work alongside us as he was to give us direction and guidance. He was a kind, friendly, merciful, hilarious person. We all loved when he would explain something in detail (like how to make a sandwich) and then say "That's what I call, 'making a sandwich'". Many of us would spend evenings after work playing Apples to Apples with him and it was such a fun time. I know he was a mentor to many, both as a manager and on a personal level. One thing though, he loved that hibachi restaurant on Alpine Ave a LOT. So he had at least one flaw. 😉 Paul, you will be missed. See you in Heaven.

- Lilly

January 27, 2022 5:00pm
Paul was our family friend - we grew up as kids in the same neighborhood. We love him and his family. We have so many great memories of him and his siblings that we will cherish forever. Paul was always kind, friendly, caring, Christian and had a great sense of humor. When I went to his house as a child, to play with his sisters, he always greeted me with a smile. All of us Montforts have fond memories of Paul and extend our love and heartfelt sympathy to his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

- Lynne K. Blanchard

January 27, 2022 4:11pm
Paul was my manager at Russ in Caledonia. I was 16 when I began waiting tables. He always had a quick wit and he put up with lots of antics from us High Schoolers. He would shake his head when the cooks would date the waitresses! I treasured my time there and working with Paul was great. I'm so glad we weep but with hope. Blessings and prayers to the Smith family. Shannon Hulbert- Reed

- Reed Shannon

January 27, 2022 11:37am
Paul was my manager at Russ many years ago. He was such a good manager and person. My deepest condolences to you. Praise God he is rejoicing with our Lord in heaven .

- Becky

January 26, 2022 11:34am
I remember the Uno games in the Smit Kitchen whenever we were on furlough. Paul would be there with all of us. Together. And we will be again in Paradise. Condolences to close family and friends who will feel his departure so keenly. All I can offer you are prayers. May you feel God's support with you as you grieve and celebrate his life.

- Nancy E Smit

January 25, 2022 12:43pm
Our deepest condolences to the family in this difficult time. LUKE 23:33 And he said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

- Richard Ricket

January 24, 2022 9:08pm
Though I only knew Paul for 3 years, it felt like a lifetime. The way that he spoke to me and his gentle yet intense personality will be remembered forever. The last conversation we had he was more concerned about me and my families current situation than his own. Paul's love for others and selfless attitude will live on forever in all of us. I will miss you bud. Rest easy my friend.

- Jeff Dault

January 24, 2022 8:39pm
I remember Paul when he first came to the States, He was a soft-natured, kind-hearted, quiet young boy. Recently, he regularly sent me messages on Facebook messenger including Bible quotes that portrayed his strong faith in God. Paul will be missed. My love to you all

- Susan Bruinooge




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