Michael Smith – well known WV rugby coach, teacher, mentor, history buff, changed the lives of many
WVHS pays tribute to North Shore resident, Mr. Michael Smith, age 90, who sadly passed away on April 2, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19 at Lions Gate Hospital. Our sincere condolences to the Smith family. Mike and his wife Nancy were strong supporters of WVHS and many WVHS members have fond recollections of Mike and his love of history. Mike was well known on the North Shore as a teacher, coach, athlete, family man and lover of music. He touched the lives of many and gave back to the community through his coaching and many volunteer efforts.
He was Vice-Principal of Hillside Secondary School in West Vancouver, and in 2001, the North Shore Secondary Schools Athletic Association honoured him for “50 years of outstanding dedication to coaching”. Mike ran marathons, was an organizer of Provincial rugby tournaments, took rugby teams to tournaments all over the world, sang in a choir and put on school plays and musicals.
A Michael Smith scholarship fund has been established with the West Vancouver Foundation for a community-oriented student graduating from public Secondary School in West Vancouver.
Read more about Mike and his life in this CBC story: “Michael Smith died of COVID-19. This is why his family wants you to know his story. “
and read Michael Smith’s obituary here.
