Russel Bradley Smith

Passed away Wednesday, October 12,2022, at home with his wife by his side. Russel was born on June 26, 1962, to the late Donald and Joyce (Stinson) Smith in Muskegon, Michigan. Upon high school graduation, Russel entered University of Michigan under a ROTC program.  After acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, he proudly served his country as an Officer in the United States Navy for eight years. Upon returning to Kalamazoo, he used his education to build a career in IT. He started with his own business, AskRusty, to help his customers with their computing needs. Later, he moved on to the Johnson Corp, MPI, and finally, Advia Credit Union.

His passion in life was doing good for others, including family, friends, neighbors and coworkers. He loved the outdoors, especially the water and beach, along with the woods, which offered camping, hunting, fishing, hiking and meditation. He also loved traveling with his wife, exploring different parts of the world. He was a voracious reader. Rusty was an outstanding cook and enjoyed sharing his talents with others. He was happy to share a beer or some good whiskey with a friend. His relationship with dogs always brought joy to his life, especially his Katie, an Irish Terrier. Rusty and Kym cared deeply for one another and loved their time together, while giving each other the space to express their individuality.

Surviving Russel is his wife, Kimberly Lind and her sons, Alexander and Michael Lind; brothers, Donald Jay (Jean) Smith, David Johnston (Kristal) Smith, Aunt, Jane Stinson, several nieces and nephews, and a devoted family of in-laws. Preceding him in passing are his parents, Donald James Smith and Joyce Ann (Stinson) Smith, and his aunt, Janet Mary Stinson.

Friends are welcome to honor Russel at his memorial service, Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 1pm located at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 South Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007. There will be time for refreshments and fellowship following the memorial. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan.  To view Russel’s personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com