Daniel A. “Bear” Smith, age 60, of 1020 South 15th Street, Escanaba, passed away Thursday morning, February 5, 2009 at the St. Francis Hospital due to complications following treatment for leukemia.
 
Dan was born May 29, 1948 to Harold and Margaret (LaVictoire) Smith in Saginaw, MI.  He was of the Catholic Faith.  He was a graduate of Birch Run High School, where he played football.  He served in the U.S. Navy.  Dan retired after 30 years of service from General Motors Steering gear.  He moved to the Gladwin area and was a wood crafter for 16 years.  He was a member of the Moose and Eagles clubs. 
 
As a drummer and singer, Dan performed with many bands and was well known throughout the Tri City area.  He was also the owner of Bearman Entertainment.  He was inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999.  After moving to Escanaba, Dan could be found on many karaoke stages and on Tuesday nights, one could find him joining in with the Country Wheels Band at the 8th Street Coffee House.

Dan’s additional interests included Corvettes and motorcycles.  He loved touring the highways and finding out what was down every side road.
 
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret, and his niece, Daphney Smith. 
 
Dan leaves to survive his wife, Connie Smith, daughter, Andrea Smith, son, Daniel Smith, brother, Harold (Marlene) Smith, nephew, Michael (Meredith) Smith, 2 step daughters, Angela Pahl and Annette Roberts, mother and father in law, Herb (Janet) Lundin, several cousins and countless friends.   
 
Dan’s family will receive friends, for a memorial service, on Sunday February 15, 2009, from 2:00PM to 3:00PM, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1820 9th Avenue North, in Escanaba.  Prayer services celebrating the life of Daniel “Bear” Smith will follow visiting hours, at 3:00PM, at St. Thomas, with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating.  Luncheon will follow in the St. Thomas Parish Hall.  The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Smith family with arrangements.