Michael Smith

Michael Sean Smith, much-loved son of Mike and Cyndy Smith, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 after a three-week battle with Covid-19. He was 54. He is survived by his parents, Michael and Cyndy Smith; his son Jerdin (Ashley), his daughter Makenzie (Brad), his 4 grandchildren Summer Rae, Ryan, Jerdin, and Maverick; his siblings, Hank (Sara) Smith, Jennefer Johnson, Chantel Smith, Randon (Mindi) Smith, 10 nieces and nephews and many loving cousins, aunts, and uncles.



During his last hour alive, a doctor, who had just started a shift in the ICU and did not know Sean was only minutes away from passing, came into the room and thinking Sean was in stable condition, checked his heart. "He has a strong heart." he said. "It gets stronger every day." We are sure the doctor was mortified after learning what happened just moments later, but we can see the truth in what he said. Sean did have a strong heart and it will continue to get stronger every day.



In his heart Sean was a salesman. He was passionate about cars, trucks, leases, tires, and engines. He spent his life in the retail and auto industries. He could sell a ketchup Popsicle to a lady wearing white dress in the middle of July. If the Spirit World has a car dealership, Sean is probably already trying to sell Henry Ford a Chevy.



In his heart was love for his dog Oscar. They spent many mornings and nights together walking around the Salem Ponds. The night Sean died we made sure someone went to his home to "throw the bone" for Oscar as Sean would've done. We can tell Oscar misses Sean, but we can also see he is relishing the fact that he can now bark loudly at the door without Sean's vocal disapproval.



In his heart Sean was a loyal friend. He loved and was loved by his friends, especially Marty Farr, Ron Camp, and Paul Denkers. Soon after Sean met Marty, he brought him home for dinner. Sean's parents and younger siblings looked at Marty's motorcycle, his black leather jacket, black leather pants, and 12 inch green mohawk and were too scared to speak. He has been a friend of our family ever since.



In his heart Sean had a special love for his family. He loved spending time with his dad, who was always there for him. They spent many evenings these last few years talking together. Years ago, when his younger sister went through a hard divorce, and was a single mom of two little ones, he called her up on the phone, asking where she was. They ended up meeting a few minutes later in the parking lot of the mall where he gave her a box of presents just for her for Christmas--he wanted to make sure she had something to open herself on Christmas morning. He continued to do that often through the years. He often showed up, unannounced, with birthday gifts for nieces and nephews. Just a week before he became sick, he bought his mother new pajamas. Sean loved to give.



We would like to express thanks to our cousin Nicole Gregory who talked with Sean and spent time with him in the ICU. We also wish to express our thanks and admiration to the dedicated ICU nursing staff at Payson Mountain View Hospital who worked tirelessly around the clock for over 2 weeks trying to save his life. They did everything in their power to keep him comfortable and calm. We watched them cry over Sean and other patients. They are exhausted heroes. We would also like to thank our friend Char and her family, who have been caring for Oscar these last few weeks.



We know that our Grandma Smith, who Sean loved, was there to greet him with open arms and a stern lecture, which Sean deserved. We know Sean is now in the care of our loving Savior and those of his family who have passed on before. Just a month ago Sean expressed a genuine desire to get to the temple. We are going to make sure we help him as much as we can on this side. We are grateful for our knowledge and blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the plan of happiness that teaches us that families are forever. We love you Sean. We know that you are finally out of the pain that tormented you. We pray your "strong heart" is full of peace.



In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a memorial fund in Sean's name. (https://gf.me/u/zchcrj) Proceeds will help with Sean's services and also help his father, who he so dearly loved, who is healing from a recent stroke and fighting cancer.



Because of Covid restrictions and because dad is still recuperating from a stroke, there will not be a funeral or graveside service at this time. We will have a celebration of life for Sean with cousins, family and friends at a future date when we can gather together again. If you knew Sean, please leave a message on the mortuary website (or email to hank@hanksmith.com) for him and we will share those with his parents. Thank you!



To leave memories of Sean and offer condolences to the family, go to legacy@legacyfunerals.com.