Brian David ‘Smoly’ Smolich, 63, of Park St., Ishpeming, passed away on Christmas Eve, Friday evening, December 24, 2021 at his home with his beloved wife and special friend, Jennifer at his side.

Smoly was born April 17, 1958 in Ishpeming to William and Phyllis (Deichelbor) Smolich, graduated from Westwood High School, Class of 1976. He married Kim Eliason on February 20, 1981. Brian held various jobs over his working career, but most recently worked for Cleveland Cliffs, retiring in 2020. He made many friends there and was quite a jokester with his friends and at home.

Brian bravely fought a long hard battle lasting several years. He overcame many obstacles and decided to enjoy his life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors immensely and loved to hunt, fish, go on side by side rides, snowmobile, stay at camp and walk or snowshoe the trails with his wife and his beloved rescue dog, Minnow.

Surviving are his loving wife of over 40 years, Kim Smolich; his sister, Cheryl Arrington; two nieces, Danette Harju and Tracy Ordiway; father and mother-in-law, Earl and Jean Eliason; brother-in-law, Dean Hakala; and several great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Denise; an infant brother, David Peter; paternal grandparents, Mike and Mary Arambasich; and maternal grandparents, Alpine and Laura Deichelbor.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon on Friday, December 31st at Koskey Funeral Home. Brian adored his baby, Minnow so much, and requested that any memorial contributions be directed to UPAWS in his memory.

Brian’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com