Michael Lester Smith

Michael Lester Smith, 74, of Golden, died Thursday, August 3rd, 2017 at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. He was born June 2, 1943 in San Francisco, California to John William Smith and Ramona Helen Franke. He married Sharon Ann Bowen on June 25, 1963 and became a widower on February 26, 1989. On April 1, 1997, Mike married Janelle Marie Freehling.

Michael is survived by his wife Janelle Smith of Golden; two children, Shelly Carter of Littleton, and Christopher Smith of Boulder; one grandson, Levi (Lisa) Carter of Littleton; two great grandchildren, Liam and Lani Carter of Littleton; one sister, Kathy (Paul) Van Otterloo of Las Vegas, Nevada; two step children, Jordan (Sara) Andrews of Erie, and Jessica (Michael) Berry of Aurora; six step grandchildren, A.J. Andrews, Amy Andrews, Parker Berry, Reagan Berry, Preslie Berry, and Holden Berry.

Michael is preceded in death by his father John W. Smith, mother Helen Vander Hoek, sister Cheryl Smith, first wife Sharon Ann Smith, and step father Donald Vander Hoek.

Michael was born in San Francisco California (allegedly in a taxicab on the Golden Gate bridge) but spent the majority of his life in Colorado. He proudly served in the United States Navy, after which he became a decorated firefighter for the Denver Fire Department. He was also an active member of the Freemasons and Shriner's. His talent for writing produced three books and an unfinished fourth. He also had healthy passions for fast cars and precious metals, which were only surpassed by his love for family & friends, and a desire to bring smiles to their faces. He was selfless, giving, a little ornery and always quick to laugh.

The memorial service for Michael will be on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 10 AM at the Olinger Crown Hill Pavilion of Reflection, 7777 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Pastor Stephen D. Pilon will be officiating. A private internment will be at Crown Hill's Tower of Memories.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Michael's family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary, Cemetery & Arboretum, Wheat Ridge, CO.