John Michael Smith

John Michael Smith, 75, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 15, 1950, in Seattle, Washington, John was the eldest of four children. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1972 with a degree in Engineering and spent his career designing innovative solutions that improved countless lives. John was a devoted husband to his wife of 50 years, Mary, and a loving father to his three children: Sarah, Michael, and Jennifer. He was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his community. An avid outdoorsman, John spent his weekends hiking in the Cascade Mountains, fishing on the Columbia River, and teaching his grandchildren to appreciate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years and served on the board of the local community center. John is survived by his wife Mary; his children Sarah (Tom) Anderson, Michael (Lisa) Smith, and Jennifer Smith; seven grandchildren; his siblings Robert Smith, Patricia Johnson, and Karen Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Eleanor Smith. A celebration of life will be held on February 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Riverside Community Church, followed by a reception at the Smith family home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Habitat for Humanity or the Pacific Northwest Trail Association in John's memory.