Michael "Mick" Smith

Michael Smith Obituary

SMITH, Michael "Mick" - Passed peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco on June 27, 2005 from cancer. Michael was born in Walthamstow, England on May 24, 1951 to Leonard and Alfreda Smith. Michael "Mick" Smith was a lifetime musician playing guitar and bass in bands since the age of 14. He was a founding member of legendary blues-rock band, Sam Apple Pie, whose debut album reached number nine in the British pop charts. He also played in The Mechanics and did session work with many other artists including Keith Moon and Pete Townsend. After moving to San Francisco in 1982, he played with many local bands including The Bumpers, Los Limeys, Michael Smith Band, Titus Bros., The Kingsnakes, Laura Jagger Band, Ron Thompson & the Resistors, The Creations, Soulmine, Roy Loney and the Phantom Movers, The Rattlecans and The Richmond Kings. Mick will be dearly missed by his many friends and co-musicians who will always remember his warm and generous spirit, his amazing musical ability and his ever present sense of humor. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, July 24 at 1pm at Ashley & McMullen, 4200 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco. A celebration of his life will follow from 2:30pm at The Blarney Stone, 5625 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco. Rock On Mickey!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 22 to Jul. 23, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Smith

9 Entries

Dina

March 31, 2025

I am thinking of Micky (and Lenny) right now while chatting with a friend of mine. I was telling her that he used to be a bar customer of mine but I never knew who he was. He used to stop by on his way home from wherever he was coming from. He used to have one drink or two and ALWAYS had the greatest smile. Never had I seen him without that smile. He was so polite.. friendly. Quiet. I always thought of him as such a warm person and gentle soul. It is amazing to me the different caliber of persons I have met in my 30 years here in San Francisco.. Micky will forever be in my heart and memories as one of the truest.. most genuinely nicest persons I have ever met. Rest in peace Micky.. 20+/-years later and still thinking of you.

MARTIN DALEY

February 22, 2023

Knew Mick from school then kept in touch thereafter - He helped with my first visit to a recording studio - laying down some classic Mick subtle blues - After he left his band he was I suspect a tad lost musically - so not surprised he emigrated - Was saddened to hear of his passing - He had in his own way a quiet funny loyal yet determined nature and his obvious talent and love of talent would have drawn people to him as it did it the UK - Farewell - oh gifted one!!!

Susan Layser

August 12, 2005

Lenny,

My heart aches so much. What a wonderful picture and obituary. To paraphrase what Robin said, heaven is going to be one hell of a great place. It's not hard for me to imagine Michael being introduced to Jimi by Teresa and sharing stories about Buddy. Maybe the Giants will win the Series now, with Mike and Ben and Tracy cheering them on.

Everything I think of to say is so inadequate for expressing how much Michael meant to all of us and to how close we grew living in the same house for eight years, and how much this hurts.

I wish I could have been there for the Memorial to give everyone my love and hear the wonderful stories everyone had to share. My deepest sympathies to you, Lenny, and also gratitude for being such a wonderful brother. I love you very much.

Always,

Susan

bruce c. christ

August 10, 2005

sorry to hear of your loss. like the blue and the gray, the oldtimers slip away...

Robin Siebach

July 25, 2005

Mick & Lenny took over the house Brad and I lived in on 25th Ave. I remember the day Mick arrived and the many times he swore he was going back to England and I for one was glad he didn't. My memories of all of us in the "Dawn Patrol" will forever be etched in my mind. All I can think of is the great tea party Mick, John Michael and Teresa are having-remember to save a seat for me-the streets of heaven are that much richer for all of them. As for Mick the only human as thin as me-those bass notes will forever sustain!! If you know one thing know this YOU ARE MISSED!!!

Brad Bufkin

July 24, 2005

Mick was like a brother to me for almost 25 years. I had the great pleasure of playing music with him many times over the years, including in our band "Soulmine," in 1999-2000.

Mickey had terrific hands - and played a wonderful guitar. He was very humble as a musician - and the consummate professional. He did 'what ever needed to be done' musically - which included playing bass in my band (altho' his guitar playing was always way beyond my own.) I'll remember him for his gentle nature, generosity, style and sense of humor.

A lot of people 'go' without a memorial... Mick is sure a guy who deserves one!

Have a "good laugh mun!"

Eddie & Alice Gillen

July 23, 2005

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Richard/Bambi Cummings

July 23, 2005

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mickey will be very missed, he was much loved and a hell of a musician.

Dave & Kim Nims

July 22, 2005

Sorry to hear of your loss

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