Hilliard R. “H” Smathers, 85, went to be with the Lord on December 5, 2009.
“H” was born in Asheville, N.C. on November 16, 1924 and raised in Canton, N.C. He attended Canton High School, where he set the record for most football field goals made; a record that still stands today. H graduated in 1943 and went on to boot camp in preparation for WW II. In boot camp H received the prestigious Expert Infantry Man Award and was later stationed in Italy’s Mediterranean Theatre. In 1951, he transferred to Minneapolis, Minnesota where he worked with the Postal Data Center. After 25 years of loyal service, H retired as the Account Payables Manager, in which he taught college seminars as part of his duties.
In 1979, H moved to Grand Marais. H’s greatest passion in life was spending time outdoors, fishing on pristine inland lakes and hunting the surrounding woods. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends from the Legion and his church. H was also an outstanding musician, mastering the guitar, organ, and harmonica. H was a proud member of the American Legion and attended the Evangelical Free Church.
He is preceded in death by his beautiful and adoring wife, Frances Smathers, whom he was married to for 45 years.
He will be dearly missed by his loving daughter Diana Hirsch, son-in-law Kevin Hirsch, and three grandsons Ryan, Shawn, and Derek, all from Tampa, FL.
With his distinctive white beard and keen sense of humor, H was a staple in the Grand Marais community, where his memory is sure to live on. One close friend claimed “H was the finest man I ever knew.” H’s generosity was evident throughout his life, whether it was sharing his catch of the day with friends and family, giving a home to orphaned dogs he very much loved, or buying his grandsons brand new cars upon college graduation.
We will always cherish the moments we had with you, but know you’re now with the Lord, on a crystal-clear lake where the sun never sets and the fish bite all day.
The celebration of His life will take place in early January at the Maple Hill Cemetery.
Arrangements by Cavallin Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please send your memorial to Animal Advocates of the Arrowhead, ATTN: Gay O’Donnell, 2925 E. Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
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