Michael Minter SMITH

Michael Minter SMITH May 7, 1933 ~ June 10, 2010 Mike passed away peacefully at his home in Kirkland at the age of 77. He was born to Frederick G. Smith and Pamela Johnson Smith on May 7, 1933 at New York General Hospital. He was born prematurely and stayed in the hospital for 88 days. He credited an intern from Columbia University, who took a special interest in him, as the person who saved his life. Mike is survived by Carole Smith, his loving wife of 55 years. The two met at Yakima High School and were married on February 27, 1955 at Fort Benning, Ga. He is also survived by his six children and nine grandchildren: Sheree (Steve) Andrews, Greg, Jeff, Becky (Lowry) Snow, Sandy (Rich) Price, Brian (Joanie). Grandchildren: Galen and Jazlyn Andrews, Leon Smith, Brandon and Derek Snow, Nicole and Jordan Price, Zachary and Connor Smith. Mike graduated from Yakima High School in 1952. He then went to Washington State University, was drafted into the Army, and later received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Washington. He was employed by the Bellevue School District for 30 years, teaching at Highland Junior High, Bellevue High School, where he developed its Vocational Automotive Program, and Interlake High School, where he taught Traffic Safety. Mike was instrumental in the creation of the Lake Washington Voc Tech through his service on the formation committee. On a sabbatical from teaching, he followed his passion and drove a big rig for Lee & Eastes Tank Lines. He later co-founded Check Ride Driving Training Services with his son Jeff, where he worked until his retirement 3 years ago. Mike was a sports fan who enjoyed the Seahawks, Sonics and Huskies, and he loved listening to the Seattle Mariners on the radio.My-Oh-My! He also loved to read. Above all, Mike treasured the time he spent with his family. Family events, weekends at his cabin, and long conversations with his wife and children were very important to him. Mike's life will be celebrated in a service at Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, 12202 NE 90th Street, Kirkland, on Wednesday, June 23 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate in Mike's honor to the Rose Hill Presbyterian Church Deacon's Fund, 12202 NE 90th Street, Kirkland 98033, or to Seattle Children's Hospital, M/S 200, PO Box 50020, Seattle 98145.