Irvin (Shorty) Sylvester Smith

Irvin (Shorty) Sylvester Smith, 86, passed away peacefully on August 20 surrounded by family.
Shorty was born to Arza and Irene (Jacobs) Smith on 09/08/1935. In a small farm house on Rural Route 1 in Boyne City, MI. It was there that his siblings Thomas, Beverly, and Rodger (Mike) learned the values of hard work, respect, and kindness which carried them through the rest of their lives.
He graduated Boyne City High School in 1953, where he excelled both in academics and athletics. After high school, he entered the United States Army where he served in Germany and completed his enlistment with three Medal of Honors.
Returning to Boyne he went to a local dance where he met the girl of his dreams. She was the lead singer in the band. He told a friend that night, “I’m going to marry that girl”. Which he did. On April 30th, 1956, he and Bettylu McRoberts became husband and wife.
Soon after, he entered Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in 1960. Utilizing his degree, he retired with over 30 years of teaching and coaching. Some of his favorite memories were coaching alongside lifelong friends on the Rambler’s sideline. He was also very proud of the back to back state championships as Defensive Coach for Vermillion Community College in Ely, Minnesota.
Some of Shorty’s hobbies included camping, motorcycling, mushrooming, and traveling with family and close friends. During retirement, he and Betty wintered in Leesburg, Fl.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bettylu Smith; Kirk & Crystal Smith, Mac Smith, and Kelly & John Looze. His brother Rodger (Mike) & Janet Smith. Along with his six grandchildren, Maggie, KC, Macalah, Dalton, Keagan, Olivia and one great grandson, Lennix.