We Remember
SMITH, Michael
September 10, 1948 — July 12, 2022
Michael Smith, 73, passed away on July 12, 2022, at Kelowna General Hospital, in Kelowna, BC. An electrician by trade, Michael was a manager at BC Hydro before he retired.
Born and raised in Durban, South Africa, Michael moved to Canada, when he was 28, with the love of his life and wife, Rhona Smith. He loved his family deeply and was truly born to be a father. A few years ago, he planned to surprise Rhona with a cruise; he was going to do a vow renewal for their 40th anniversary. After telling his kids about his plans, they screamed at him for wanting to tell her the day of the cruise departure. Rhona would have been livid about having to pack in a mere few hours. On his kid’s advice, he decided to tell her about the cruise the day before, and Rhona headed to the mall to shop for nice dresses and to get a haircut. While on the cruise, he still had a trick up his sleeve, he picked out a dress and surprised Rhona with the vow renewal.
A people-person, Michael made everyone feel like a friend that he’d known for years. His favourite thing was to tease people about things he knew they would be uptight about, and then he would reveal a shit-eating grin just when the person was about to blow. He also loved to chat, for hours, and his favourite topics of conversation were politics and history. Anytime someone could keep up with him politically or historically, he would offer the most interesting conversations, and you would definitely learn something.
Michael will be remembered by his family and friends.
The family would like to thank all his friends that kept in touch with him during the hardest months of his life, it truly made a difference.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Virtual hugs to all the family
My condolences to the family, Very sorry to hear that Mike passed away. I was a colleague of Mikes when he worked for BC Hydro in the lower mainland. MIke indeed was a people person and meeting and working with him was a pleasure.
Peace to Mike’s family, and peace to Mike
Mike I will always remember the fun we had and the conversation we bantered back and forth You will be sorely missed
The Fossl family sends condolences. And hugs to yours. Memories of Michael as a great neighbor and friend in Kitimat . Love from, Deb, Norm, Cassandra & Dylan
RIP my friend, Codolences to Rhona, and all family. The world is a poorer place without Mike always making light of things. We were friends from primary school and got up to many many days of mischief. He will always be remembered.
Our sincere condolences to all of the family. Mike was a good friend as well as a work colleague.
We owe our 15 years in Canada thanks to Mike and have many fond memories of him. He will be very much missed.
R.I.P. my friend. Fond memories that I hold onto since our meet over 25years ago.
Barb and I had the privilege to be Mike and Rhona’s friends for 38 years. There were lots of good times you can be sure. We were with him during his struggles and last days. Rest In Peace my friend. You will be very much missed.
We meet many people in our journey through life. Only a few we remember. Mike is among that small group.
Will never forget my uncle
Dear Rhona, Our thoughts and love are with you and your family in theses very sad times. Doon and Harry
Words cannot adequately express my sadness for Rhona and family on the loss of their beloved Michael. It was a pleasure to have worked with Mike in Kemano and Kitimat and to have been friends with him for all these years. God bless and sincere condolences
You were always so brave and positive right to the end. Will miss our skype chats. Love you my big brother
Mike and I enjoyed a fantastic working relationship at BCH. When we retired we visited often near his home at all the fantastic wineries in his area. Mike was devoted to his family and every conversation revolved around their futures, when I had my cancer Mike often contacted me with support. You are a good soul taken to soon.