Mike is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of over 50 years, Mary Hill Smith; their children Thad (Kari) Smith of Byron Center, MI and Molly (Jason) Krich of Westfield, IN; five grandchildren Sienna and Ethan Smith, Madison, Delaney, and Nathaniel Krich; brother, James (Virg) Smith of Okemos, MI; and sisters Jean (Tom) Sarasin of Traverse City, MI and Ann (Ron) Krzeminski of Caseville, MI; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Jeanne Smith.
Mike (or Mick, just not Bob) was born in Racine, WI January 28, 1946, but was raised and started raising his own family in Jackson, MI. While growing up, he had a fondness for farming, fishing, basketball, and perhaps a snapping turtle or two. He carried his love for these hobbies with him throughout his life.
Working for Goodyear his entire career, 41 years, he was one of three people who turned the lights off in their Jackson, Michigan factory when it closed. This led to his family moving to North Canton, OH in 1984 where Mike and Mary lived until they both retired. During their time in Ohio, Mike continued fishing, joining the Bass Masters and fishing in tournaments as often as he could, and he transferred his love of basketball from playing into coaching, specifically for the eighth grade boys team at St. Paul Catholic School for four years.
After retiring, Mike and Mary split their time for a few years between North Canton and Pell City, AL, before permanently relocating to Byron Center. Joining the Tulip City Bass Club and being surrounded by water, wonderful neighbors, and loving family, Mike knew Michigan was the place for him to be.
Mike was also never one to sit still - whether cleaning his truck, organizing his boat, or making custom fishing rods, under the pen name “Bass Masterson." He was able to find a way to combine this "work" with his passions, and even though his deep voice was known to scare kids straight, he really was a teddy bear at heart. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, a caring father and grandfather, an angry turned cautious driver, and an amazing fisherman who didn’t have to embellish the size of his catch.
Many people played a major role in Mike’s cancer journey, and their care, love, and positive support cannot be left without notice - Dr. Matt Steensma, Annie and Tara, the Faith Hospice staff, the Providence Cove Court neighbors, Joan Johnson, and close family friends - the entire Mike Smith family extends our sincere gratitude to you all.
A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Avenue SW, Byron Center, Michigan, with a visitation the hour before Mass and a graveside service immediately after Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory may be made to St. Sebastian Catholic Church or CAST for Kids. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.
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