Richard Edward Smykay class of 1976, son of Dr. Edward (1924-1982) and Ann (Haenseler) (1925-2017) Smykay, was born 19 September 1958, Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan.  He graduated in 1976 from Okemos High School.  After high school Richard attended Monterey Peninsula College and California Polytechnic State University in California where he obtained a bachelor's degree with a double major; mechanical engineering and environmental engineering.  His engineering skills were employed by several companies over the years including Kaiser Engineers, Western Mining Company and recently as Engineering Systems Delivery Manager – APAC, Worley Parsons in Australia.  Richard's resume summary stated he was experienced in:

Systems Integration and Data Management
Corporate Workflow and Process Assessment and Development
Specialties: S3D Implementation consulting, training, documentation and development planning
- Mechanical Engineering - Design and Layout - PE Mech, PE Fire Protection
- PDS Administration - all aspects; setup, configuration, spec writing, project oversight and troubleshooting
- PDS/SPPID Support and Training
- SP3D Training, Support and Implementation Consulting

Richard married Marian Audrey Allan 9 October 1999, Douglas County, Nevada.  They later divorced.

An avid Mustang car enthusiast, Richard was a well known poster on the VMF Vintage Mustang Forum and a member of the Mustang Owners Club Australia.  Richard also developed a manual for installation of soft-tops on 1968 mustang convertibles.

A bit of light went out of the world on 11 March 2017 when Richard succumbed to hepatocellular carcinoma in Brisbane, Australia.   Richard enjoyed teaching and helping others succeed and was not patient with slackers. He loved good music, good food, good friends and he loved to fish.  His ashes were scattered near his best friend's home, Leetch Lake, Minnesota.  He is survived by his sister, Ann and brother Ron, both graduates of OHS. Richard was predeceased by his parents and brother Rob (2016). He also is very much missed by his beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue dog, Alterra.

A remembrance and celebration of life was held Thursday 27 March 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at the Buffalo Bar (Upper Beer Garden), corner of Edward and Mary Streets, Brisbane.

He was predeceased by his brother James Conrad Smykay 31 Mar 1957 - 2 Jun 1957 (aged 2 months).

Published March 6, 1960 by Lansing State Journal

Published August 13 1967 by Lansing State Journal