Obituary

Michael (Mike) Raymond Smith, 74, of San Juan Capistrano, died peacefully February 5th, 2015 with his family by his side.

He was born on March 7, 1940 in San Diego, California, the son of Raymond W. and Ann Marie Taulli Smith. He graduated from St. Francis in La Canada, California in 1957 and earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in 1963 where he was a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE). On October 26, 1968, Mike married Michelle A. Jolly at Queen of Angels Church in Newport Beach, California and they were together 46 years.

From 1958 to 1989, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Captain. While continuing in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Mike worked alongside his father “Smitty” and step mom and business partner, Evelyn K. Smith operating the family business of Speedy Fountain Service for over 30 years. With a passion for his work, he spent 47 years in the beverage dispensing industry, last working for Wunder-Bar until his passing. Mike was a longstanding member of The International Beverage Dispensing Equipment Association (IBDEA) and was awarded a lifetime achievement award for his dedication, leadership and friendship.

He enjoyed spending time with this family, fishing, golfing and classic cars. He fulfilled his dream last year when he purchased a 2006 Monterey Red Corvette.

Mike is survived by his wife Michelle and their three daughters, Nicole A. (Bob) Kruse of Mountain View, CA., Allison S. (Lee) Payne of Seattle, WA., and Heather M. (Lee) Mitchell of Capistrano Beach, CA. ‘Papa’ is also survived by his six granddaughters, one grandson and another boy on the way; Ava, Ruby, Scarlett and Harper Kruse, and Phoebe Payne, and Mickey and Alexandra Mitchell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Pat Smith.

Michael will lie in state from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19th at O’Connor Mortuary, where a rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m. followed by a reception. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 20th at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. Full Military Honors and Burial will be private at Riverside National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Mission Hospital Foundation 27800 Medical Center Road, Suite 330 Mission Viejo, CA 92691 and sent in care of O’Connor Mortuary 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.oconnormortuary.com – Michael R. Smith. See more at: www.oconnormortuary.com/obituaries/Michael-Smith-23/