Lee A. Smith

Lee A. Smith, 79, of Palm Harbor, FL, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2025, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, WI, following complications from a routine medical procedure.

Born on May 16, 1945, in Springfield, OH, Lee was the eldest son of the late Hamlin and Amy (Armstrong) Smith. Raised in LaGrange, IL, he graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1963, then went on to earn a degree in political science from Wittenberg University in 1967. Lee briefly attended law school at John Marshall before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where he served with distinction in the Office of Special Investigations (OSI).

Lee was known for his quick wit, sparkling eyes, and captivating sense of humor. He had an unparalleled ability to tell a great story, always leaving his listeners with a smile or a laugh. Wherever he went, his infectious energy and lighthearted tales made him a cherished presence.

A lifelong lover of adventure, Lee’s childhood as a Boy Scout and camp counselor sparked his deep appreciation for nature. He spent many happy summers at his family’s lake house on Klinger Lake in White Pigeon, MI, where he could often be found fishing, swimming, sailing, and waterskiing.

In the 1970s, Lee turned his passion into a profession by opening Sundance Sports, a ski and dive shop in LaGrange, IL. As a certified dive master and expert skier, he led numerous tours to Grand Cayman and Colorado, sharing his love for the outdoors and watersports with many, especially his daughter Erica.

Lee did make a return to a more “traditional” work environment in the 1980s when he became a stockbroker at Smith Barney. He worked hard and eventually bought his dream car – a white Corvette! But his adventurous spirit eventually led him back to the outdoors - the mountains of Colorado.

Settling in Silverthorne, CO, Lee enjoyed hiking, mountain biking, and camping. Armed with paracord, shock cords, duct tape, and Velcro, he was always prepared for any scenario! He became a white-water rafting guide in his fifties­, and was the oldest guide on the Arkansas River! It was there he adopted his river name “Hawk,” a moniker he carried with him the rest of his life. 

After an injury on the river, Lee relocated to Florida, where he worked as a park ranger at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in West Palm Beach. He later moved to Palm Harbor to care for his aging parents.

Lee eventually developed a handicap in his right leg that affected his ability to walk. But his determination to continue doing the things he loved drove him to work harder. Ever resilient, he developed a fitness regimen to stay mobile with minimal assistance. This ultimately led him to Competitive Edge Performance (CEP) as a physical therapy client. Here he forged valuable friendships as he sought out the newest treatments and technologies. Partnering with CEP, he led Stand Up Paddleboarding clinics for veterans with PTSD.

As a grandfather, Lee passed down survival tips, gadgets, and cherished memories, delighting his grandchildren with boyhood stories and pirate treasure legends.

In 2016, Lee reconnected with Jan Betts, whom he met and dated while they were students at Wittenberg University. A romance blossomed and they began spending more and more time together, splitting their time between Palm Harbor, FL and Gillett, WI. Summers at their cabin on the Oconto River meant boating, long rides on their ATVs, and many laughs with Jan’s family.

Lee is survived by his life partner, Jan Betts; daughter Erica Rivers (Bryon); grandchildren Lauren, Jake, and Kelly; his sister Lynn Smith; his brother Craig Smith; and loving family members Jennifer Czerwinski (Dan), Jason Betts (Chanda), Allie, Olivia, Peter, and Meghan.

Lee’s humor, resilience, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His family will remember him with a Celebration of Life in May 2025 (more details to come) and we invite you to honor Lee by sharing your favorite stories, memories and pictures on his Kudoboard https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/XhG9pXrx (click hyperlink or copy and past address into your browser).

May Lee’s stories continue to inspire laughter and adventure in all who were fortunate enough to know him.