Obituary for Richard Elwin “Rick” Smith Richard Elwin Smith “Rick” Age 65 of Brighton, Michigan passed away the morning of Tuesday, April 17, 2018, following a heroic fight with cancer. He was born on August 17, 1952 in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adell Campbell and George Smith and his sister, Dorothy Little of Garden City, Michigan.
Survived by his sister, Nancy Childs, of South Carolina. Also survived by his nephew James (Robin) Beaver of Berea, Kentucky, and his great-niece, Ellie Beaver, whom he adored. Rick grew up in Wayne, Michigan and graduated from John Glenn High School.
He served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a career in real estate. He opened Keller Williams Livingston 18 years ago and has dedicated himself to mentoring people in his field since that time. Rick was an “on purpose” person.
He quietly and very thoughtfully took care of situations and people. He thrived in an independent environment where he could spread his wings and work his magic. He had the ability to diffuse hostile negotiations and have clients walk out of a room as friends.
He always had a story to illustrate every point he wanted to make, and he listened with equal enthusiasm. Since opening KW, he coached, mentored, and supported so many agents. His ability to problem solve and listen was amazing.
The personal and financial sacrifices that he made to open an office “for agents” was selfless. Even while the struggle was intense (during the recession) he remained positive with his agents by saying “we are going to make it, and we will come out of this stronger and better than ever”. Rick was a quiet hero to many people and he loved his community dearly.
He didn’t want the limelight and all the fanfare; he let you shine through. Rick did this with the students from the Brighton debate team. He was asked to be a coach for one student each year and he gave of his time to help prepare them for their debate.
Rick gave unselfishly of himself and expected nothing in return. Rick was a vigorous supporter of the KW Cares Red Day and would volunteer his time at many projects around the community. Visitation will be held at Keehn Funeral Home on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. and on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Brighton Nazarene Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church.
Internment will be held at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Keller Williams Livingston Cares with envelopes available at the funeral home. Order Flowers Richard Elwin “Rick” Smith 1952 – 2018 Click above to light a memorial candle.
Plant a Tree In Memory of Your Loved One Click Here Menu Subscribe to Updates Click Here Obituary for Richard Elwin “Rick” Smith Richard Elwin Smith “Rick” Age 65 of Brighton, Michigan passed away the morning of Tuesday, April 17, 2018, following a heroic fight with cancer. He was born on August 17, 1952 in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Adell Campbell and George Smith and his sister, Dorothy Little of Garden City, Michigan.
Survived by his sister, Nancy Childs, of South Carolina. Also survived by his nephew James (Robin) Beaver of Berea, Kentucky, and his great-niece, Ellie Beaver, whom he adored. Rick grew up in Wayne, Michigan and graduated from John Glenn High School.
He served in the United States Marine Corps before pursuing a career in real estate. He opened Keller Williams Livingston 18 years ago and has dedicated himself to mentoring people in his field since that time. Rick was an “on purpose” person.
He quietly and very thoughtfully took care of situations and people. He thrived in an independent environment where he could spread his wings and work his magic. He had the ability to diffuse hostile negotiations and have clients walk out of a room as friends.
He always had a story to illustrate every point he wanted to make, and he listened with equal enthusiasm. Since opening KW, he coached, mentored, and supported so many agents. His ability to problem solve and listen was amazing.
The personal and financial sacrifices that he made to open an office “for agents” was selfless. Even while the struggle was intense (during the recession) he remained positive with his agents by saying “we are going to make it, and we will come out of this stronger and better than ever”. Rick was a quiet hero to many people and he loved his community dearly.
He didn’t want the limelight and all the fanfare; he let you shine through. Rick did this with the students from the Brighton debate team. He was asked to be a coach for one student each year and he gave of his time to help prepare them for their debate.
Rick gave unselfishly of himself and expected nothing in return. Rick was a vigorous supporter of the KW Cares Red Day and would volunteer his time at many projects around the community. Visitation will be held at Keehn Funeral Home on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. and on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at the Brighton Nazarene Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the church.
Internment will be held at Cadillac Memorial Gardens West at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Keller Williams Livingston Cares with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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