Home > News & Media > Public mourns loss of citrus great

Public mourns loss of citrus great

Sun Hearld – June 26, 2008

Lake Placid — Thousands of well-wishers turned out Tuesday and Wednesday to pay final tribute to Lake Placid’s native son, Mason Smoak — a local government official and citrus, cattle, and land management magnate.

Hundreds of well-wishers brazed a fierce thunderstorm Tuesday night as they waited for a turn to pay their respects to members of the Smoak family during a closed-casket reception at the Memorial United Methodist Church of Lake Placid.

Scheduled for four hours, the ever-growing crowds forced the event to run late into the evening.

Clear weather greeted more than 1,000 mourners as they gathered at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church sanctuary for a celebration of life service in Smoak’s honor.

More than 1,000 mourners filed into the church on Wednesday morning for a celebration of life service held at 10 a.m.

Overflow crowds were sent to Rob Reynolds Hall to listen to the ceremony via television telecast.

The ceremony began with a prelude by Julia Burnett, followed by a welcome by the Rev. Doug Pareti and an opening prayer. The featured scripture reading was Psalm 27:1-6.

Mason’s brother, Edward Smoak Jr., presented a musical number titled “Working to be One.” A video presentation followed.

“Wake Up, You’re in Heaven,” was performed by Abigail Sampari and Kaeli Spurlock. A “Time of Sharing” followed and was led by Claude Burnett.

Burial followed at Oak Hill Cemetery, with services led by Rev. David Woermer.

During the burial service, an American flag flown over the Capitol in Washington D.C., was scheduled to be presented to the Smoak family on behalf of Congressman Tim Mahoney.

Click Here to View This Article