We lost a great Man and Car Builder

[Smittys]

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this. Yesterday I lost my Father Micheal (Papa) Smith he was my hero and as many of you know a Great Man. He and I co-founded Smittys together. Dad was one of the old-timers who started racing cars in the late 60's who did a lot with very little to do it with. He was the best fab guy you could ask for, I could just tell him what I wanted and he would built it. He taught Tony and I everything he knew, cars were our special bond.
On Saturday he decided he was done with his fight with his illness and said his good byes. Tony and I had a chance to tell some good stories and enjoy some of our favorite times. The last videos he watched were of my truck running the autocross at Texas. He was amazed at the advancements that have been made since we started this madness. One of his fondest memeries was at Putnam park For the Street Challange ( Thanks Bret ).

He said to say good bye to everyone.
RIP Papa

[68lovebuzz]

Sorry for your loss. Carry the car torch on! I'm sure he is proud of you : )

[bmbrzmn101]

Sorry for your loss, I know how difficult it feels whens you loose your Dad(Hero). Enjoy the time you spent with him and what he taught you.

My condolences, Chris.

[howehot]

Sorry for your loss.

[Todd in Vancouver]

So sorry to hear of your loss and send my condolence. Nice to hear you got to spend some time with him and thanks for sharing a heartfelt story.

[4WardInv]

So sorry to hear of your loss!

[shmoov69]

I'm sorry for your loss. That is AWESOME that you guys had so much in common and spent time together tho.

[sanman357]

Sorry for your loss.

[protouring70]

CANCER is a nasty word!!!! I lost my Dad to it in January......I hate to hear about your loss!!!!

[camaroinct]

Sorry to hear about your dad. My condolences to you and your family

[David Pozzi]

My condolences, he sounds like a great man. You were so lucky to have had someone like that to learn from.

[UMI Tech]

Cherish the memories of shop time with your dad and hero. My sincere condolences.

Ramey

[Smittys]

Thanks for the support guys!

To honor Dad we a throwing his 56 2 door wagon together. Its was a flat black street/drag car that ran in the low 12s since the mid 80s on street tires. It has been in the family since 1971. This car is the reason fuel runs threw our veins.

Dad's final ride will be in this car!!

Time to go custom paint a casket.

[trapin]

My condolences on your lost. Sounds like he was a great guy, and father too.

[riles]

My condolences. Very cool memories for you. Lost my father when I was 9, another car guy, who raced USAC midgets @ soldier field and other Midwest tracks.

[dropit69]

So Sorry to hear of your loss..you sound like you have a lifetime full of memories of him !!...RIP

[BonzoHansen]

So sorry for your loss. It is great you got to connect with him like that at the end.

[Smittys]

Well we gave dad one final ride in a hot rod. Burn outs with a casket.

Check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQlGnqckpWM

[6994lt1]

Like everyone, sorry for the loss. Sounds like he was really cool guy and loved. Great last ride!

[CarlC]

That's the way a gearhead want to go. You did good, and your Dad would be proud for doing it.

[66 ls2 nova]

Agreed, that's a gearhead funeral. I bet he was smiling the entire time. Good work and keep up the legacy guys!!!

[sunkistcamaro]

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.