Michael Smith Winward

Michael K. Smith Winward presumably joined his Father in Heaven on October 3, 2022. His remains were recovered May 8, 2023. The actual circumstances and cause of his death are unknown.

Mike was born on July 22, 1936, in Portland, Oregon to Jack Earl Smith and Faye Winward Hume. He was the youngest of four children. Mike spent his childhood in Tacoma, WA. There, he attended school and lived with his mother and siblings. Mike was Washington state’s wrestling champion in high school. This was something he was very proud of. He was, in fact, a life-long fitness enthusiast, weightlifting being his favorite sport. In 1963, Mike deadlifted 635 pounds and set the Western US regional deadlifting record. He loved to teach weightlifting to anyone interested, including his children and other kids around the neighborhood. Mike lifted weights well into his 80's.

After high school, Mike joined the Navy where he bravely served our country in the Korean War. After honorable discharge Mike attended Brigham Young University, Provo, on a GI scholarship. Here he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in history and sociology. Mike continued his education by earning teaching credentials in special education. Throughout his life, he continued studies in accounting, political science, and biblical theology.

In fact, it was in a family studies course at BYU early in 1959 where he met the love of his life, Annette Shirley Kelsey, as she pursued a master’s in education. Mike and Annette were married in Salt Lake City on November 16, 1959, at the ages of 23 and 24 respectively.

Mike and Annette became career educators and public servants. They taught public school in Utah, California, Texas, and Idaho. Mike retired from teaching in the 80's. Together, Mike and Annette raised five capable children. Through their parents’ example, each became successful college educated professionals.

In later life, Mike and Annette settled in Chubbuck, Idaho where they homesteaded a property "off the grid". This was a lifelong dream. They were happy there for over two decades gardening, caring for rescued pets, and raising fir trees for a local nursery now and then. Mike particularly loved trees and watching them grow.

Mike had a big heart. He and Annette supported national charities for children in need and neglected animals. He was passionate and maintained a strong faith in God. Mike tried to live the teachings of Jesus Christ and believed daily prayer anchored him through many of life’s struggles. He loved politics and religious philosophy and was always interested in a good debate.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Annette Winward, daughter Roselyn Winward Klaus (Jeffrey), son Kelsey Winward (Vivian), daughter Charlotte Langston (Charles), daughter Elizabeth Winward (James), daughter Lucinda Winward (Mark), and seven grandchildren: Bianca Winward, Keir Kloss, Brandon Winward Cheng, Kellan Kloss, Ilona Kloss, Jackdevn

Winward Magee, and Matthew Winward Magee. He is much loved and greatly mourned by his family.

On January 16, 2024, Mike was laid to rest at the historical Mormon Island Replacement Cemetery in El Dorado Hills, California. Annette and some of their children and grandchildren reside in the area. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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