Randall “Randy” Scott Smit went home to his Savior on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 at age 54.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Anna Smit, maternal grandparents, Elmer and Marie Kadera, father-in-law, Roger Westrate, and his beloved service dog, Delta Air.
He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jill (Westrate) Smit, his parents, Richard and Judith Smit, his brother and sister-in-law, Bradley and Angela Smit, their children, Gabriel James and Hannah Marie, his brother and sister-in-law, Christopher Smit and Lisa VanArragon, their son, Moses Kadera, his mother-in-law, Bonnie Westrate, sisters- and brothers-in-law, Jacquelyn and Bruce Lownds, Doug and Lori Westrate, and Deryl and Jennifer Westrate, nephews and nieces Bonny K (Randy), Schuyler (Catherine), Daniel (Alyssa), Luke (Samantha), Jamie, Jillian (Travis), Samantha (Ryan), Erin (Andrew) and 14 great-nephews and nieces.
Randy’s family and friends will remember him as a true Renaissance man, who loved to debate sports (go Cubs!) as much as theology and politics, was a champion for justice, enjoyed good Bohemian food and found peace in the outdoors.
He earned degrees in Political Science and Theory from Calvin College in Grand Rapids and Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He was ordained by the Reformed Church of America in 2005.
He was a gifted preacher, a great storyteller, poet and painter. He cherished his friends and family above all, a beautiful circle of people from Chicago to Michigan, to Florida, and beyond.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Friday, Dev. 16, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., at Hope Church, 77 W. 11th Street, Holland. The service will be followed by a time of lunch and fellowship where Randy’s friends and family can share memories and stories together.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Randy’s honor to Hope Church, for its Social Justice Initiatives Fund. Envelopes will be available or online donations can be made at https:portal.icheckgateway.com/Hope Church/ with the memo line: Randy Smit Memorial. To leave a condolence and for more information, please visit langelandsterenberg.com.