Granby Obituary: Matthew Smith, 55

Matthew W. Smith, 55 of North Granby, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017, after an accident on East Street in North Granby.

Born in Hartford, son of the late Watson Long and Gladys Orpha (Dewey) Smith he was a lifelong resident and raised on his family farm, Long Farm on Case Street. He has resided at Ox Box Farm on East Street the past 30 years where he was known for his oxen and his skill in making yokes and bows and farm task pulls. He enjoyed competing in oxen pulls, farmer pulls, and other farm task pulls throughout New England. He was known for giving area children cart rides pulled by his oxen and sharing his knowledge of these unique farm animals.

An electrician by trade, he also was an avid fiddler participating in many area groups including, Armadillo, Silver Street, J.D., Triple T, Turkey Foot, and Ring Mountain Boys Bands; enjoying playing Country, Bluegrass, and Southern Rock music. He met many people and touched many lives, always helping others, and forming lasting friendships.

Matt enjoyed the outdoors and especially hunting. He was a member of the CT Ox Teamsters Assoc, the Pine Tree Ox Assoc, ME Ox Teamsters, and the NE Ox Teamsters.

He leaves his fiancé’ Cheryl M. Champagne of North Granby with whom he shared his love of oxen; two daughters Malinda and Elanna Rubenstein; a step daughter Katrina Marie Champagne; three uncles Earl Dewey of Sarasota, FL, Stewart Dewey of East Granby, and Wilbur Dewey of Southwick, MA; several cousins; and children who shared his interests, Kaitlyn, Daniel, and Autumn.

Calling hours will be Sunday, July 23, 2017 from 3-7 pm at the Hayes Huling & Carmon Funeral Home 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby. A private funeral service will be held graveside at West Granby Cemetery, where he will be buried with his grandparents.

Contributions may be made financially or by an act of kindness to a charity of the donor’s choice which benefits children, animals, veterans, or those less fortunate.

For condolences or directions please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.