Michael William Smith

Michael William SmithAugust 23, 1949 - January 2, 2020

Michael William Smith, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away and went to be with Jesus on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at his home in Anatone, Washington, at the age of 70, surrounded by his loving family.

Michael was born August 23, 1949, in Salem, Oregon to Harlan and Betty Smith. Mike was the second born of four brothers and was known to be the ringleader of fun and mischief among the four boys keeping their parents on their toes.

When Mike was in the 7th grade, his family moved to Eugene, Oregon. He attended North Eugene High School where he was a standout baseball player (a talent that was inherited by his son Travis who became a major league baseball pitcher). He graduated in 1967. During his teenage years, Mike worked summers with his grandfather bucking hay bales on the family farm in Independence, Oregon and in 1969, he joined the Marines.

It was also in 1969 that Mike married the love of his life, best friend, and eventual business partner, Gail Gant. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year on March 15th.  Together, they accomplished so much including raising a beautiful family and establishing a successful fishing outfitting business.

Mike and Gail moved from Eugene to Bend, Oregon toward the end of 1974 where they would raise their two children, Tawnya and Travis. Michael worked for Pepsi Bend for 19 years as the On Premise Sales/Service Manager.  For the last 13 years of his time at Pepsi, Michael also began guiding fishing trips on the Deschutes River. It was the combination of Mike’s fishing expertise and Gail’s exquisite cooking that would lead them to become fulltime fishing outfitters in 1992. Mike and Gail began running trips on Snake River in 1991. They purchased cabins on the Snake River where they eventually moved all of their trips. They have operated their companies, M & G Outfitters and Z & S Outfitters, together for the past 40 years. Over this time, they have had many customers become more like family. This is something that was very important to Mike. In addition to his experience and knowledge of running the rivers and fishing, Mike was exceptional at making people feel comfortable and welcomed. He had a knack at making everyone around him feel like they were special and important.

Mike and Gail moved from Bend and built a home in Anatone, Washington in 2012 where he enjoyed spending his time when he was not on the river. He loved the wildlife and the peacefulness of being in the mountains as well as the space it provided for his dogs, Ticker and Bessie (who were very important to him) to run.

Mike loved and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was an exceptional father who always wanted to make sure his children were well taken care of and that they knew he loved them. His four granddaughters lovingly know him as Pappy, a name which fit him perfectly. He was a terrific grandfather. Each of his granddaughters have wonderful memories of him. These memories sometimes included some sort of mischief they weren’t supposed to tell their parents about. Such was the time he and one of them were stuck in the middle of the Snake River while the boat was stuck in reverse. Pappy eventually was able to jump out with a rope and make it to the bank before they encountered any more trouble.

Mike (Pappy) will be forever remembered for his infectious smile, jovial personality, playful spirit, and warm heart. Although our hearts are heavy, we are comforted to have so many fond memories and to know that he is in heaven watching over us.

Michael is survived by his wife Gail Smith of Anatone, Washington; his daughter Tawnya Wyman of Bend, Oregon; his son Travis Smith and his wife Amy of Pomeroy, Washington; his grandchildren Skylar Smith, Emily Wyman, Sydney Smith, and Maggie Wyman. He is also survived by his brothers Dennis Smith and wife Karen of Beaverton, Oregon; Pat Smith and his wife Kim of Newport, Oregon; and Danny Smith and his wife Jeanne of Eugene, Oregon.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Betty Smith.

A graveside service was held in Independence, Oregon on January 8, 2020 where Mike was buried alongside his parents.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Mike on Saturday, January 25, at 1 pm at First Presbyterian Church, 230 NE 9th St., Bend, OR 97701, with a reception to follow. The family invites all who are able to attend.
Farnstrom Mortuary of Independence, Oregon is handling arrangements.
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