Michael grew up in both Federal Way and Auburn, Washington area. Michael graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in which he excelled in sports which included football, wrestling, and track. Michael attended Washington State University and played football for the Cougars from 1987 to 1991. After college, Michael went to Sweden to play football. He then returned to the state of Washington. Michael continued to enjoy playing other sports which included recreational flag football and basketball. Michael has coached high school football, elementary age children at flag football, and was the CYO basketball coach at his daughter’s school for her team.
After graduating from college, Michael began working at Echo Glen Children’s Center where he met his wife, Yvonne Clement-Smith in 1994. Michael and Yvonne married on October 20th, 2001. Michael and Yvonne were always able to brag that they “met in prison”. Michael had a positive impact on the youth as well as his coworkers. He excelled at learning to teach Dialectical Behavior Therapy to youthful offenders. Michael moved on in his career and worked as a Juvenile Parole Counselor and learning Functional Family Therapy. Michael then worked for several years for the State of Washington as a Family Voluntary Services social worker as well as a Child Protective Services Social worker. Michael then spent his past few years working for Adult Protective Services. Michael dedicated his life to helping others overcome their life challenges.
Michael had a sharp and keen sense of humor. Michael positively impacted the lives of so many people in his personal and professional life and will be missed by so many. Michael had close friends that he considered “family”.
Michael is survived by his wife, Yvonne Clement-Smith, and his 10 year old daughter, Alexandra Marguerite Smith. Michael is also survived his father, Charles B. Smith, and his five sibling: Mark, Marcy, Melissa, Angelee and Mathew. Michael was a dedicated uncle to his numerous nieces and nephews who he cared for so deeply.
Preceding his death were his mother, Daun E. Smith, his grandmother, Mary Jane Suess, Michael’s second “mother”, Nancy Olson, and Yvonne’s father and Michael’s buddy, Curtis A. Clement.
Michael passed away of end stage liver failure in the comfort of his home while holding his wife and his brother Mark’s hand.
Services are tentatively planned for June. The website will be updated once serves are scheduled.
Arrangements under the direction of Greenwood Funeral Home, Renton, WA.
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