Obituary of Michael David Smith

Michael David Smith passed away with dignity on August 11, 2016 At the age of 71 years, a Patriot who led a courageous battle of brain cancer with seizures for 21 years. Mike was born October 23, 1944 at Mason General Hospital in Mason County, WA and was proud of being raised on his grandparents dairy farm in Skokomish Valley until the family moved to Shelton to avoid the flooding. The son of loving parents William Henry and Mary Isabel (Eager) Smith; he treasured the outdoors: woodsy outdoor scent, full moon over Hood Canal, fishing in lakes and salt water, including shrimping and crabbing, short hikes, studying celestial skies, spotting majestic eagles and he always treasured his family. As a youth in Shelton, Mike was involved with Boy Scouts, an Episcopalian Acolyte, Masonic Demolay, Junior High and High School sports-football, manager of baseball team, director of thespian plays, wrestling and graduated from Irene S. Reed High School 1962. Was KING of the Senior Ball along with his date QUEEN Judith Rowe whom he married later in 1967. Graduated from U.W. Foster Business School as a member of Psi Upsilon Fraternity in 1967 with an ROTC commission in the Air Force. He was a proud American who volunteered to go to Republic of Vietnam. While there he earned a Regular Commission and as the Petroleum, Oil & Lubricants (POL) Officer, was honored with a Bronze Star medal for heroism with valor following a raid on Phu Cat Air Force Base where he and his team won Best Tactical Fuels in the Air force. Following his honorable discharge in 1972, Mike went into civilian life by joining his father’s longtime (1947) electrical contracting business, Smith Electric. Primary Brain Cancer diagnosis in 1995 prompted him to slow down. However, love for his family did not. His mother and father preceded him in death and is survived by his wife, Judith H. (Rowe), sons Padraic David (Brandy), M. Royce and five beautiful grandchildren, Tate, Tanner, Samantha, Aspyn, & Alexandra. All of whom he loved and they loved him. Our family would like to thank the VA Puget Sound Health Care systems, Panorama Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center, and Fisher House (VA Hospital). Suggestions for remembrances in Mike’s memory---