Michael Alfred Smith, 74

Michael Alfred Smith of Plains, MT, passed away peacefully at his home on
Jan. 30, 2025, after a brave battle with liver cancer. Born in Miles City, MT, on July 29, 1950, he was the son of Rosemary and the late Major Smith.

After having lived in several states, Mike eventually settled in Montana, fulfilling a lifelong dream. It was here that he met Sharrill in 1988, and they married in 1993, building a loving life together sitting on their porch swing watching hummingbirds, camping at Lake Mary Ronan, fishing for Kokanee salmon, then finishing up the evening by playing cards until it was time for bed.

A proud Navy veteran, Mike was known for his hardworking nature and dedication to his work. He was a well-known mechanic at the Service Station in Plains before moving on to the Ford Garage, still as a mechanic for many years until being promoted to the Parts and Service Manager. Later in his career, he could be found cruising the local rock yard on a forklift, filling orders and organizing rock at Block Mountain Stone until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike was always happiest when surrounded by nature and those he loved. He found joy in taking trips with Sharrill on his 100th Anniversary Harley Davidson motorcycle, swapping stories with friends while trap shooting at the Plains Trap Club, and telling lies with friends when golfing in Plains and St. Regis. Later in life he picked up art of knife making and many were graced with the intricate, personal creations he crafted. Mike had a tradition if ever gifting these knives—he would never give one away without first requesting at least a penny, such as was the tradition so as to not cut the bond they shared. His thoughtfulness and attention to detail were reflected in everything he did, from his hobbies to his relationships. He passed down his love for hunting to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by hunting flies in his shop with a salt gun, passed down his love for fishing by taking them to a nearby creek to fish for brookies with grasshoppers and worms, and then he would bring the family together at night for fun and laughter over card or board games.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Major Smith and his brother, Pat Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Sharrill; children Alicia (Mitch) Cowen, Shawn (Debbie) Inman, and Jeff Smith; grandchildren Kennley Inman, Flynn and Tucker Cowen, and great-grandchildren Joshua and Gabriel Inman. He is also survived by his mother, Rosemary, his brother Chuck (Sharon), and three sisters, Barb (Butch), Mary Sue (Russ), and Jane (Jack); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at the St. James Catholic Church in Plains on March 8, 2025 at 1 p.m., followed by an Honor Guard Memorial Service that will be held at the flag poles at the Plains cemetery. Following the service, a gathering with light food and fellowship will take place at the VFW.