MICHAEL L. SMITH

DIED DECEMBER 15, 2022

SUTTONS BAY – Michael Leon Smith, 61, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at the YMCA.

Michael was born March 11, 1961 in Traverse City the son of Gerald and Catherine (Sanborn) Smith. Mike suffered a fatal heart attack the morning of Dec.15th after his regular work out at the YMCA.

His childhood was typical for small town northern Michigan kids, although Mike was always a bit if a clever rebel, often to the consternation of his teachers, his parents, his friends and sometimes his family.

He had a devilish sense of humor, a quick temper matched by the same kind of wit, but was generous to a fault and was one of the more loving people one will ever know. Mike was quick with an opinion, but even swifter when it came time to offer aid, help a friend or pitch in. He loved cars and boats, family and friends. For all his brashness, he didn’t have a single enemy.

At the unthinkably young age of 19 Michael’s destiny was forever altered by a senseless automobile accident, when he was hit by a drunk driver, filling over the last 4 decades for him with adversity and pain. We marveled how he forgave, how he persevered, how he used humor and self-deprecation to see the bright side of his life. Apparently, the Universe only deals out the crappiest of hands to those who can play them, and Mike did it with his own style and joie de vivre. He was one in a million.

Michael spent over the last 3 decades living with his brother, Troy; along with Troy’s wife, Cory, and their 3 children MICHAEL L. SMITH

Hannah, Quentin, and Henley. Mike was afforded the opportunity there to watch his niece and nephew’s grow, partaking in their milestones. He was truly loved and embraced as a member of their family.

We don’t profess to understand death, and we envy those like Mike, who possessed such strong spiritual convictions believing in all the beauty and love the afterlife offers. Your loved ones can only hope you are basking now in that warm eternal glow and we know for certain a kernel of your personality is laughing at the family for being so sappy. Godspeed son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend; and go ahead and laugh. That’s how we will always remember you.

Michael is survived by his mother, Catherine; his siblings, Jerome D. (Holly) Smith, Tracy A. (Erin) Smith, G. Randal Smith, Troy L. (Cory) Smith; his nieces and nephews, Caitlin Smith, Sebastian Smith, Hannah Smith, Julian Smith, Quentin Smith, Leo Smith and Henley Smith. Also, his very dear friends Michael C. Wille and Lou Forton.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald A. Smith on March 8, 2003.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael’s honor may be directed to Hannah Smith, P.O. Box 4, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 A formal graveside burial and celebration of Michael’s life will be announced in the spring.

Please share condolences with Mike’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.