Michael “Mike” Louis Smith
December 7, 1938 - January 9, 2025
Funeral Details: Private Family Arrangements
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Louis Smith. Mike passed peacefully with family by his side on January 9, 2025, in Innisfil, Ontario, at the age of 86.
Mike was generous and an excellent storyteller. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel welcome and special. His playful spirit delighted children and adults alike, whether he was performing magic tricks or showing off his signature "Popeye muscle" flex. Mike spent summers with his family at their cottage on Healey Lake. He cherished evenings spent playing cards with family and friends, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories around the table. From lively games of "Oh Hell" and Euchre with his family to late-night Bridge games with friends, card playing was a source of connection and joy throughout his life.
Mike was born in Noranda, Quebec, on December 7, 1938, to Jean Vincent Smith and Hanna “Anne” Jane Smith née Cameron. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Cheryle Smith, and his children: Pauline Kusakovski (Peter), Michelle Smith (David Duggan), and Jeffrey Smith (Michael Campbell). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Ryan Kusakovski, Jacquelyn Kusakovski, and Jack Duggan, as well as his sister, Jacqui Doran, nephews James Doran and Gregory Doran, niece Anne “Annie Fannie” Doran, and his brother-in-law, John Bernard. He was predeceased by his sister, Jeanne Smith, and his brother-in-law, James Doran.
Mike was a dedicated educator who touched the lives of countless students. A proud alumnus of De La Salle College, he went on to earn his degree from UBC, where he also pursued his passion for hockey as a player for the Thunderbirds. He then returned to his alma mater to teach. His passion for education and his genuine care for his students left a lasting impact on the De La Salle community.
Mike’s wishes were that all of his family and friends should remember him fondly and often through stories that he would like to be told and retold with laughter and smiles. At Mike's request, there will be no service. Those who wish may share their favorite memories of Mike with his family.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.peacefultransition.ca
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
James Darryl Healey
Posted on: Sunday, January 12, 2025Thanks uncle Mike. Very special memories from Healey Lake. Endless patience teaching water skiing. Spent a bunch of time with Jeff approximately 50 years ago. From conquering the Congo, shear pin alley, or the cliff. Or just driving the small boat with 2.2 motor, shouting whatcha doing big boy at the top of our lungs. Michelle could have strangled us. Love you all
JERRY AND LOIS ARNSBY
Posted on: Sunday, January 12, 2025We are really sorry to hear that MIKE has passed away. He was definitely one of the good guy,s. He was always smiling and great to have as a friend.
Dan MacLeod
Posted on: Monday, January 13, 2025You always felt at ease when meeting Mike, whether at the Hardware store or at Assc. meetings. He will be truly missed and our thoughts and prayers go to his family
John Mageau
Posted on: Tuesday, January 14, 2025I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Smith. He was a hellava guy. I was one of the many students he left a lasting impression on and the community of De La Salle lost a giant. Condolences to Mr. Smith and his family.
Chris Sammut
Posted on: Tuesday, January 14, 2025Mike was special. He made me feel welcomed when I first arrived as a young teacher at Del He was always there for fellow staff and students. Funny & a great sense of humour. He was first to say ‘how can I help’. Wonderful memories of a wonderful guy
Joe Jurus
Posted on: Tuesday, January 14, 2025I am sorry to hear this news. Mr. Smith was a beacon of light in education during my 5 years at Del. A true gentleman.
Tom Reid
Posted on: Wednesday, January 15, 2025One of our absolute favourite teachers at De La Salle. He was always firm but fair. If we were good, and the rink was available, we got extra skating time. The Class of ’78 dearly misses Mike. Our condolences to the entire family. God Bless.
Peter Parke(O'Leary)
Posted on: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Dear Smith Family,
I was sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. And I am sorry to have lost touch with him. But happy to hear that he passed peacefully with family by his side.
Mike was my hockey coach at O.L.P.H. and we also had some great times at Moore Park , playing touch football.
Anne was my godmother and Jacqui has been a good friend.
Feeling the presence of his absence,
Condolences,
Peter F. Parke
Peter Parke(O'Leary)
Posted on: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Hi Mike,
Just to let you know I am still playing hockey here in Montreal.
And keeping an eye on the success of the Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda in your honor.
Love,
Peter Parke
Jim Gardner
Posted on: Wednesday, January 15, 2025Mr. Smith was a respected teacher at Del and remember his genuine interest and care for his students. He was firm, fair.l and had a great sense of humour.
So sad to hear yet another giant of this generation has left us. My Dad, Bill Gardner was a classmate of Mr. Smith and he also left us last July. Maybe they are cheering the Wii-o-veevo-on L with Brother Arthur and the rest of the good ones in Heaven!
May he rest in peace and our sincere condolences to your family.
Brian Hanko
Posted on: Thursday, January 16, 2025Dear Smith Family,
Sorry to hear about Mr. Smith’s, (Mike), passing. He was my teacher in grade school and then again in high school at De La Salle in Toronto.
My memory of him as a teacher was when I was one of the last cuts from the football team in grade nine and when he saw me, he could see my disappointment. He offered me the opportunity to be a manager so I could be around the football team and encouraged me to try out for the basketball team, which I made, and the football team next year, which I also made. Mr. Smith also spoke at our grade 13 graduation as we where his first high school class to graduate and he was all chocked up about it.
Mr. Smith will be missed and thoughts and prayers for his family.
Ron Capone
Posted on: Thursday, January 16, 2025A wonderful teacher and a classy person. RIP 🙏❤️
Jennifer Inglis
Posted on: Friday, January 17, 2025I have many fond memories of Mr. Smith. Being Michelle’s friend for almost 53 years, I was fortunate enough to spend many times up at Healey Lake with the family. I learned to waterski there.
My favourite memory; Mike teaching me to drive the snowmobile, and after I crashed into a small tree, he patiently, calmly ended the lesson. He was kind and friendly. I was always welcomed in their home with a big hug on the other side of the door.
Rest in peace, Mr. Smith you were a true gem.
All my love to the family♥️