Max Smith

Max H. Smith, 95 Longtime Petoskey High School band director Max Hastings Smith of Central Lake, and formerly of Petoskey, died peacefully January 30, 2009, at Sunnybank Assisted Living in Charlevoix. Mr. Smith was band director at Petoskey Public Schools for 32 years and at Charlevoix Schools for 7 years, turning out generations of instrumentalists. He also arranged the school song for both Petoskey High School and Charlevoix High School. Max was born on April 19, 1913, in Lapeer County, to Rufus William and Teena (Hastings) Smith. Growing up in Sandusky, Michigan, he discovered his love of music at Sandusky Public Schools, where he first played saxophone and then clarinet. He graduated from Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in 1936, with a B.M. degree in Band, Cadet Band, and Dance Orchestra. During his time at MSU, he was a student of the world renowned Leonard Falcone. While attending MSU, Max was also a member of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. After graduation Max accepted a position as instrumental music teacher and band director for Charlevoix Public Schools and the Charlevoix City Band. While there he met his wife Ione Smith who was the biology and chemistry teacher. They married on August 24, 1940, at Ione's family cottage on Torch Lake. Max became band director at Petoskey Public Schools in 1943. During his 32-year career, the band program grew from 25 young musicians to over 300. His bands were awarded the Division I rating 31 times in the District Band and Orchestra Festivals. In addition, Max served as an adjudicator at state and district level festivals throughout his career. From 1936 to 1943, Max was a faculty member and clarinetist for the Bay View Association Conservatory of Music and Music Festival under the direction of Fred Patton. During those same years, Max also enjoyed serving as director of the Charlevoix City Band. Max was a past member of the First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey where he served as both Elder and Deacon. After retiring in 1975, Max and Ione moved to Central Lake. There he enjoyed gardening and shared his vegetables and daffodils with the community. He also continued his love of music by serving as Bell Choir Director for the First Congregational Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Ione, his sister Lois and his parents. Survivors include his daughter Meryl (Paul) Schave of Howell, three sons: Brook (Jean) of Central Lake Township; Hugh (Susie) of Royal Oak, and Clark (Sally) Smith of Petoskey. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren: Steven (Kris) Schoen, Kevin Schoen, Jennifer (Dustin) Slater, Emily Schoen, Blake (Suzi) Smith, Sara (Bob) Batzold, Nancy Smith, Todd Smith, Laurel (Brian) Gietzen, Scott Smith, Kelly Smith, Angela Smith, and Bradley Smith; and eight great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Sunnybank Assisted Living of Charlevoix, Bayfront Home Health Care, Hospice of the Northwest Community Health Agency and the Commission on Aging for the loving and skilled care they provided Max during his last days. Additionally, the family thanks friends from the First Congregational Church of Central Lake and the Central Lake community who devoted many hours enhancing Max's life. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 5, at the First Congregational Church of Central Lake, with Pastor David Wood officiating. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Interment will take place this spring at Southern Cemetery, Central Lake Township. Those wishing to honor Max's memory with a charitable donation are to consider the First Congregational Church of Central Lake, or the Antrim County Commission on Aging Meals on Wheels Program. Friends are welcome to sign the online guestbook: www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.