Michael Wayne Smith

Dec. 10, 1955 - Feb. 2, 2023

Michael Wayne Smith, our beloved father, passed away on Feb. 2, 2023 in Rexburg, Idaho at the age of 67. 

He was born on Dec. 10, 1955, in Greybull, Wyo. He was the sixth of eight children born to Scott Haskell Smith and Lova LaRae Kinghorn. The family resided on Shell Creek near Greybull, Wyo.

Mike grew up on a ranch with a life that was full of adventure. His youthful days were filled with stacking hay, irrigating, swathing and milking cows. He enjoyed sports including track, basketball and football. After graduating from Greybull High School, he was offered a scholarship to play football at Chadron State; however, his plans were changed due to a horse accident.

He served a mission in Tacoma, Wash., for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. After his mission, he married Sheridan Smith and they had three children together: Brandon, McKay and Tana. He loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He ranched and was an outfitter all his life. 

In 2004, he moved to Idaho as a wildlife and recreation manager on Sheridan Lake. Later, he became a partner in BS Flies where he outfitted on the lakes and streams in the Island Park area. He also served on the Henry’s Lake Foundation Board. For the last 15 years he has managed the elk and buffalo hunting operations at the Juniper Mountain Ranch. 

In 2017, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. To the amazement of his medical team at Huntsman Cancer Institute, he continued working until his retirement in 2022. Through friends in Island Park, he met Monica Dexter. In Monica he found a best friend, partner and his greatest support as she and her children, Dakotah (Tucker), Leland, and Miles welcomed him into their home and family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joel, brother-in-law Steve and nephew Ryan.

He is survived by his children; Brandon (Natalie) Smith, McKay (Stacie) Smith, Tana (Levi) Antoine and Hyrum (Tiana) Johnson, siblings; Lynda (Kurt) Pyrah, Nancy (Steve) Jensen, Robert (Janice) Smith, Joel (Robyn) Smith, Janet (Terry) Mollenbrink, Donna (Jodee) Bassett and Sharon (Tim) Miller, 16 grandchildren and numerous loved ones. 

Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 132 North Center Street, Parker, Idaho. Family and friends will be gathering at 10 a.m.