Michael Crawford Smiley, 47, passed away peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital on April 27, 2025, surrounded by family. Michael has joined his father Donald in heaven, along with his beloved uncles, Bruce (Diane) and Larry (Lynne), his grandparents Wesley, Marlie, Mary, and Kenneth, his former father-in-law Gaëtan, and other close family and friends who passed before him.

Michael was born on January 12, 1978, at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital to Elaine Collier and Donald Smiley. As a child, Michael excelled in soccer, and was the fastest runner in his year, winning a junior youth Olympic gold medal for running jump when he was 12 years old. Known for his charm as the “Prince of Bronte,” Michael never paid for a meal, as everyone loved him and was eager to show their appreciation with free food. His quick wit and one-liners made him a favourite among his friends and family. Fiercely protective of his loved ones, younger cousins Adam and Danny will fondly remember the security Michael provided growing up– no one dared to mess with him, and they knew he had their backs.

While he struggled with addiction, his kind heart and deep love for his family remained constant throughout his life. Michael often joked with his brother, Jason, about wanting a Hollywood ending- a wish that, though unfulfilled, reflects the heart and courage with which he lived his life.

Michael is survived by his 6 children, Christopher, Samuel, Maryanne, Julianne, Tyson and Jaxson; his mother and stepfather, Elaine and Ron; his grandfather Allan; his brother, Jason (Dania) and siblings Debbie, Cathy (Barry), Ron, Michael (Teresa) and David (Glenda); his aunts Sandra (Gord), Diane, Lynne, Joan (Don) and Beverly; his uncles Tim (Debbie), Rick (Vivian), Joey (Valerie), Ross (Anne Marie), and Carson (Margaret); niece Taylor (Frank) and nephews Jackson, Brad, Ryan (Kristin) and Colin (Callie); his former partner Roxanne (Stephane); his former sister-in-law Penny (Boyan); and many cousins and extended family who cared for him deeply. Michael will also be fondly remembered by his lifelong best friend, Michael Rutherford, who was his “brother from another mother,” and too many other friends to name as Michael was loved by so many.

Despite the struggles he faced in his life, Michael will be deeply missed by those who knew him. To know Michael, was to love Michael. The last two weeks of his life were filled with an abundance of love and support from his close family and friends, as everyone gathered to be by his side.

A celebration of life will be held in June, with more details to follow. Michael’s loved ones know the profound impact of addiction and ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his honour to CAMH or a charity of your choosing in support of addiction/mental health outreach and research. Addiction is a disease that Michael battled to the very end. The family hopes that through his legacy, greater awareness and compassion can be brought to the challenges of addiction and those affected by it. The family would also like to thank the staff at Hamilton General Hospital, specifically Tara and Adrian, for their dedicated care to Michael.

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