Brian "Buzz" Smith, passed away June 28, 2020 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids from complications from a stroke.

Born to Donald and Lucille Smith on Flag Day, June 14, 1950 in Ypsilanti.

After graduation from Gaylord High School in 1968, he entered the US Navy at Great Lakes Naval Station at Chicago, IL. He served on aircraft carriers Kitty Hawk and the Enterprise during the Vietnam War.

Having learned sewing skills as a teenager served him well. He sewed patches and stripes onto his fellow sailor's uniforms earning enough to pay cash for a car to drive himself home from his discharge in California.

His exposure to martial arts changed his way of life too. Taking part in competitions led to teaching, eventually opening classes in Gaylord and Traverse City. Later building on his skills, he competed and judged internationally.

He wore many hats over the years. Stuntman in two Ernest Borgnine movies, costume designer, sign painter. He was also a licensed heating and cooling technician for J & P in Gaylord and for Sheren in Traverse City.

One of the first public, national recognitions was a feature story in Mechanic's illustrated, for a home-built gull-wing car, using a VW Chassis. Sure drew crowds where he traveled!

He is survived by his wife Janet; brother Martin of Illinois; sisters Annette Vondenberger of Dexter and Diane Newman of Waters; and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation is planned and a memorial service is pending.