Michael Scott Smith

June 15, 1963 - November 15, 2024

Funeral Details: Private Family Farewell

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Scott Smith at MacKenzie Health in Richmond Hill in the early hours of November 15th, after a battle with illness. Michael was the beloved son of Anne and the late Danny Smith. He was a loving brother to Wendy and her husband, Bradley Root. Michael was a doting uncle, known as “Uncle Mick” to his niece Lauren Root; this was a role that he cherished. Michael is also survived by his aunt, Peggy Hackman of Fort Erie, to whom he was an adoring nephew.

Mike grew up in Richmond Hill and was a terrific softball pitcher who rose to become one of the top talents in the province during his amateur career. Our family spent many weekends during the summer travelling to ballparks across Ontario for tournaments. In the winter, hockey occupied his heart and time. Mike’s love of sports continued into adulthood, playing in various recreation leagues. These games gave him memories that he cherished. Most importantly, Mike made many lifelong friends during this time. Anyone who knew Mike knew that he had a deep knowledge of sports and pop culture trivia, and was the guy you would always want in your corner when playing Trivial Pursuit.

Our family is very grateful to his work colleagues at Sluyter Company for their support and well wishes. Mike found much fulfillment in his work, and we would like to thank his colleagues for brightening his days.

We would also like to say a special thank you to Dr. Nauth and her team at Atkinson Medical, as well as the medical and nursing staff at MacKenzie Health. Thank you for the kindness you showed Mike, which we will be forever grateful for.

Mike will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially Molly the cat.

Until we meet again, Steamer out!

Memories and messaged of condolence may be left below.

 

Peaceful Transition York

CONDOLENCES

8 Condolences
  • Talha Omer
    Posted on: Sunday, November 17, 2024 Reply

    My heartfelt condolences Wendy to you and the entire family.

  • Mike Santos
    Posted on: Monday, November 18, 2024 Reply

    It is with great sadness of the news of the passing of Mike Smith, a cherished colleague and friend, who left us far too soon. Mike was a kind and pleasant person who brought warmth and humor to everyone he worked with. Over the four years we had the privilege of working together, Mike’s love for sports, especially the Leaf’s, was always a highlight of our conversations. His positive spirit and genuine nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.

  • Susan A Puccini
    Posted on: Monday, November 18, 2024 Reply

    I’ve known the Smith family for most of my life and while I didn’t see Mike very often I knew very well of his influence and reputation on his family, friends and co-workers. Our hearts go out to you all at this time. May God give you His peace in the coming days. We’re so very sorry.

  • Lauren Root
    Posted on: Monday, November 18, 2024 Reply

    Cheers, Uncle Mike. Hopefully you’re celebrating the Argos Grey Cup win!

  • Craig Rowlands
    Posted on: Monday, November 18, 2024 Reply

    Mike and i met playing baseball in the Richmond Hill Mens Recreational Baseball League. Back in 1988. Even though we played against each other, Mike and i became fast friends. It was impossible not to be drawn to and like Mike. He was alwsys smiling. Always positive. Always upbeat. Always up for a laugh and some fun. He was a lot of fun to be around. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Despite his outward appearance, lol, Mike was excellent at sports. Especially baseball, but hockey too. His hand eye coordination was superb. He was murder to strike out. And he was such a student of the game. He knew the game inside and out. He always knew what to do and when to do it. He was excellent when it came to decision making, strategy and tactics. And he was wonderful to have as teammate. Anyone would have loved to have Mike on their team. And/or as a friend.
    He had a charming, friendly disposition and an even temperament that made him impossible not to like. He was a kind, caring, gentle soul who never had an enemy in the world. Everyone loved Mike. Including me. He was my longest, closest, best friend. We talked on the phone often, right up until the end. We shared a million laughs down thru the years as we had many similar interests. We both loved our sports, our Blue Jays, our Leafs, and our Argos. And our old cartoons, the 3 Stooges, 70’s comedy shows like Sanford and Son, Wrestling, and of course Caddyshack. And we both had a love and knack for trivia. Mike was unbeatable at 60’s and 70’s music trivia. He loved to quiz you on who was singing on the radio. Mike could tell you who was singing. What the band name was. What album the song was off, and what year it came out. His memory was remarkable. Mike was the original google. He could singlehandedly solve tailgate party debates right then and there. Long before cellphones. He could tell you what year just about anything happened if it happened from the late 50’s on. He loved to dazzle and entertain people with his trivia questions and knowledge. Lol. He was a walking entertainment channel.
    But he was a guy that i never heard anybody speak ill will of and even more remarkably i never heard him speak ill will of others. I found that truly remarkable. I’d never met anyone like that in my life. and still haven’t.
    Mike lived a decidedly simple life. He was never one for flashy clothes, flashy cars and fancy things. Although i do remember he did have a vintage used Corvette at one time, lol. But other than that, Mike was a No Frills kind of guy. This is a guy that used to wear velcro shoes and no name blue jeans. He didn’t even own a cell phone or a computer as far as i know. Lol. He might of been the last guy on earth that i had to phone on a land line. And if he did have a computer, he’d probably still be on dial up. As long as things worked, thats all Mike cared. Nothing had to be flashy. He certainly wasn’t out to impress anyone. Lol.
    Mike loved his family and was very close to all of his family members. He was especially proud of his niece Lauren. His exchanges with Patsy were classic. Absolutely hilarious. Like Wendy said, she was about the only one that ever got under Mike’s skin. Lol.
    And he loved all of the pets he had down thru the years. You could tell how kind Michael was by the way he treated animals. He was so kind and sweet to his cats and dogs.
    I got a million great memories of Mike. I’m so glad I crossed paths with him when i did. And I’m so glad he agreed to be my friend. You couldn’t ask for a better friend in the world. Every time he called you he asked how u were doin and asked about all of your family members by name individually. He even asked about your pets too. It was never about Mike. It was always about YOU. and your family. That was the thing with Mike.
    All in all Mike made the world a better place. I’m still shocked, saddened and devastated by the news of his passing. It all happened so fast.
    What a shame. Life just isn’t fair.
    My heart goes out to the Smith family (Anne, Wendy and Brad, Lauren and Aunt Peggy) and extended family at this most difficult time.

  • Carolyn MacDonald
    Posted on: Tuesday, November 19, 2024 Reply

    My heartfelt sympathies to Anne, Wendy, Brad, Lauren and Peggy. Mike had a sweet heart and a wonderful way about him. We shared our mutual passion for the Leafs and the Blue Jays, and, of course, animals. He was taken far too soon. Sending love, comfort and support from across the miles.

  • Kevin Kaminski
    Posted on: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Reply

    Sorry for your loss Wendy
    I knew Mike from the condo I would be leaving out the front door and we would talk quick and he said he was going to watch wrestling.

  • Sol Buck
    Posted on: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Reply

    To Anne and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I just wanted to let you know that my thoughts are with you and your family and wish you all courage and peace during this time of mourning. After retiring from the position of President at Sluyter Company, I still have fond memories of the day I hired Mike while I was still working. He was a dedicated and hard-working employee, liked by all his fellow employees.

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