Michael David "Mike" Smith

Michael David Smith, 80, of Chubbuck, Idaho passed away October 6 th , 2025, from complications of dementia. A faithful and loyal husband and father, his presence will be greatly missed.
Born on September 4, 1945, in Santa Barbara, California, to Clinton Ray Smith and Fae Marie Smith (Henrie), Mike spent most of his youth growing up in Salinas, California. He was the oldest of 6 children: Danielle, Cecile, Peter, Denise, and Kenneth.
After graduating high school, Mike's first job was as a forest fire spotter in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. He joined the Navy in 1966 and went directly into the Naval Nuclear Power Training Program, where he graduated second in his class. He served as a nuclear technician and operator in the engine room of the cruiser USS Long Beach. He served 6 years of active duty, spending part of that time overseas in support of the Vietnam War.
After returning to civilian life, Mike tried his luck at gold mining in the mountain ranges east of Modesto, California. He often told us kids that he believed he'd be so successful at finding gold that his biggest challenge would be finding a woman who loved him for who he was, not for his money. Every Sunday, he would drive an hour and a half down from the mountains to attend church services. It was there that he met his future wife, Linda Boothe – and truly struck gold.
Mike and Linda were married on February 18 th 1975 in the Provo Utah Temple and were sealed for time and all eternity. They moved to Chubbuck, Idaho, where they bought a home and built a life together. Mike worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a welder; he was meticulous about his work and took pride in what he did.
Mike had a passionate personality and was enthusiastic about many hobbies over the years. He loved motorcycles throughout his entire life and loved sharing stories of his adventures on the back of his bikes. In 2000, Dad bought a 990 Ducati Monster and shaved 30 years off of his life. He loved riding his bike on the freeways and on backroads going "Mach 10." He would always joke that he felt like he was a fighter pilot in World War II making bombing runs on German supply lines. We are all amazed and surprised that he didn't die on some random switch back road in the mountains somewhere.
He was also a master gardener, trying new techniques and methods. He grew an impressive garden that most people would be jealous of. He was famous for a lush green lawn and every year it was amazingly, "the greenest it's ever been!" Well, his family knew all too well what the secret ingredient to his lush lawn and garden was. He was known as "Manure Mike" and would have his friend from the Hawthorne Horse Veterinary drop a load of manure off right on the driveway. This would steam for a couple of days in the front yard until he had time to haul it to the trampoline pit to break down into the desired mixture. By spring, he would spread his secret ingredient around the grass and garden making 4921 Cole Street the greenest yard in Chubbuck. His garden took a back seat when he discovered the world of mountain biking. He loved riding his mountain bike and reading about mountain biking. He was riding his bike 6 days a week. He would bike from his house on Cole Street and brag that he didn't put his foot down until the top of Kinport Peak. Riding your bike to the top of Kinport Peak is a feat in its own, but it is also much more difficult to ride it in your one-piece garments and blue jeans. We don't
think he started wearing sweatpants until the late '90s.
He was passionate about his love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He never missed a Sunday, shared his testimony often and always served where he was needed.
His greatest love and passion, though, was Linda. He always said Linda was the greatest thing to ever happen to him. Mike was loyal and devoted to her. Especially in their later years, Mike would say he could never say no to Linda. They have loved each other enormously and are grateful to be eternal companions.
Michael is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Lee Smith; their children, Jake Smith (Christy), Jed Smith (Valerie), Adam Smith (Elizabeth), Anna Dunn (David) and former daughter-in-law, Carolyn Whetten Smith; his grandchildren, Jett, Ashlee, Luke, Thomas, Leland, Lola, Hyrum, Brooklyn, Cole, Samuel, Evelyn, Ryan, Chloe, Henry and Nolan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Danielle.
The family would like to thank the team at Elevation Hospice, the caregivers of Valencia at Willow Creek, and Mike's sister-in-law, Kay Terry for their loving care and support over the last year.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center located at 450 James Avenue, Chubbuck, Idaho 83202. The family will receive guests following the service, with light refreshments to be served.