Tribute: Mike Smith

Michael Hamilton Smith

Bartlesville Lost a Dear Friend in October

by Becky Armstrong

Michael Hamilton Smith. Every resident of Bartlesville mourned the loss of Mike on October 30, 2021. He was uplifting, humorous, honest, and everyone’s friend. Mike was born into the perfect family to love him unconditionally. His siblings, Doug, Ree, and Betsy, were his biggest encouragers and fans. His parents, Patsy and Bill Smith and Gerre and Doug Schwert, never left his side. Mike had struggles and hardships. He had a way of turning a hospital visit into a new adventure by buzzing the nurses station multiple times an hour to see what they were doing. He was born with a medical interest, and from the time he was a young boy he gravitated to the Bartlesville Fire Department, Bartlesville Police Department, and the Bartlesville Ambulance. He spent years at these departments, developing close friendships and making them laugh. They genuinely loved Mike, and that was certainly evident as their presence at his service on November 9, 2021 was quite large.

Bartlesville athletics will never be the same without Mike standing on the sidelines or chatting with fans in the stands. Mike attended many BHS graduations, games, tailgates, tournaments, and many other events. He would often ride to the games with the coaches.

A favorite phone call that will be missed by so many went something like this. “Hi, what are you doing?” “Not much, feeding the dogs.” “Why did they bark at me and chase me in your yard?” “Mike, that was 10 years ago and I said I was sorry.” “You did?” “Yes, and these are not the same dogs, so why don’t you come over and see them?” “Ok, make tacos and pick me up at the mall tomorrow.” “Ok, call me when you are ready.” “Ok, you are so lovely, see you tomorrow, bye”

Mike’s faith was very important to him. He attended more than 12 churches over the years. He was baptized in most of these churches. His favorite ministry in every church was being an usher or greeter. He could shake your hand and it was quite firm, welcoming you to the service. Mike grew up at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. His original church family loved him, and they too were a large presence at his service.

Mike moved several times over the years. He enjoyed giving tours of his new apartment. Every apartment that he lived in was organized and spotless. Once, I took him to the store and returned to his apartment to make him ramen noodles. I broke them up and started to add water. He informed me that noodles should not be broken and to make a new package. Everything had order in Mike’s life, including ramen noodles.

The day Mike received his first cell phone, his life changed. He could now call from anywhere. No longer searching for a pay phone, he had direct access to call. Sometimes he would call in the evening to see what the plans were for breakfast. If your plans were interesting, Mike would agree to join you. If he was with you in the car and there were several errands to run, he would weigh the benefits of staying or having you drop him off at Malone Motors. There is definitely a huge hole in the hearts of all Bartlesville residents. Mike made an enormous impact over the years on many people. When life was busy or complicated, Mike made us laugh. I will miss his teasing and, of course, his compliments. Mike’s absence has given clarity to thankfulness. I am thankful to live in a community where we “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we have never lost sight of being otheralso eagerly wait for the savior, the Lord Jesus centered. I am thankful that Mike Christ.” — Philippians 3:20 reminded us to laugh and not be so serious. I am also thankful that through Mike’s life, we all witnessed the love of Christ. Mike loved all people, he never judged. His service on November 9, 2021 was a large celebration of his life. I know that Mike, face-toface, was welcomed home with the words, well done my good and faithful servant.