Michael James Smith

Michael James Smith of Gaylord, 69, passed away peacefully November 22nd, 2020 at the McLaren hospital in Petoskey, Michigan.

He was born to Clare (Mike) and Wanda Smith and Howell, Michigan on July 27th, 1951. He graduated from Morrice Area High School and served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971 to 1975.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Remembering him are his children Michael (Tina) Thrasher of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Sierra (Chris) Munk of Charlevoix, Michigan; Heather (Smith) Ward-Harbaum of Boyne City, Michigan; Shaun Smith of Cadillac, Michigan, and Kira Smith of Cadillac, Michigan. His siblings Sandy (Leonard) Bushard of Owosso, Michigan; Les (Maggie) Smith of Owosso, Michigan; and Brian Smith of Kinross, Michigan. Along with several nieces, nephews, and grand babies. 

Michael was known by many as "the Old Man of the river" as he enjoyed being outside doing different activities. He could be caught at the culverts on the Boyne River at all hours of the night during salmon season, and had a way with animals like no one else. When not caught at the river he could be found telling tales about his time in the Marines or about different things in life. 

At this point in time, the family plans on doing a private family memorial.

In lieu of flowers the family asked that donations be sent to the Habitat for Humanity 562 Edelweiss Village Pkwy Gaylord, MI 49735.

The family would also like to put out a special thank you to the staffs at Otsego County Commission on Aging, Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord and McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey for their hard work and dedication in the treatment of their loved one during this time of uncertainty.

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