Michael Crawford Smiley

Michael Crawford Smiley, January 12, 1978 – April 27, 2025

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 an award for long 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, Lynn, 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 Collin (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.