Obituary of Brooks Michael Smith

Brooks Michael “Mike” Smith, age 62, of Morgantown, passed away with his devoted and broken-hearted family by his side after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. He was welcomed into the open arms of our loving God on July 31st. Mike was preceded in death by his father Brooks Edwin Smith, his mother in law Winifred Wildman, his father in law John L. Wildman, and his Aunt and Uncle Carolyn and Jack Boyle. He is survived by his mother Eleanor Boyle “Pat” Smith of Morgantown; his wife, the love of his life, Amy Wildman Smith and three sons who cherished him dearly: Brooks Smith and fiancée Heidi Paulsen of Clearwater, FL; Scott Smith of Pittsburgh, PA and Morgantown; and Timothy and Sydney Chico Smith of Morgantown. Most recently “Mickey” was also lucky enough to welcome his first granddaughter, Colette Rose Smith, into the world and sing her an Irish lullaby. Mike is also survived by siblings Patrick Smith of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Mimi Smith Wilson (Bob) of Pittsburgh, PA, Sally Smith Henderson (Bill) of Johnson City, TN and Stephen Ryan Smith of Morgantown; brother-in-law, Randy Wildman (Sandy) of Bluffton, SC and brother-in-law David Wildman (Judy) of Morgantown; along with his loyal and loving cousins Bill (Karen), Mark (Mary) and Ed (Kathy) Boyle and Ann “Vicky” (Juan) Colon, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. Mike was born in New York City on March 8, 1954, and spent his youngest years in Westbury, NY before his family returned to Morgantown, WV. He attended St. Francis Elementary and High Schools, where he distinguished himself as a scholar, leader, and student-athlete. He was an integral part of St. Francis’s first State Championship Basketball team (1972), receiving the MVP, captain of the all-tournament team, and Best Sportsmanship trophies for his outstanding and selfless tournament play. While studying at WVU he was also a member of the Freshman Basketball team. He obtained undergraduate and law degrees from West Virginia University. Early in his legal career, he became Morgantown’s Municipal Judge. From there he moved on to private practice for nearly 30 years, practicing with his father and mentor, Brooks E. Smith, for several of those years. As his career evolved, he pursued opportunities in the real estate, coal and natural gas industries with an enthusiastic entrepreneurial spirit. Mike was active in the community and quietly helped others in need, deliberately avoiding the spotlight or taking credit. He practiced his Catholic religion faithfully and drew strength and courage from prayer, penance, and Sunday Mass, especially when Amy and “the boys” were by his side. With a strong passion for sports, he coached youth basketball for all three sons and countless other kids in the community. He was an avid golfer for most of his life. At the young age of 14, Mike became the Men’s Club Champion at Preston Country Club, followed with a repeat victory at age 15. There is nothing Mike and his three sons enjoyed more than playing a round of golf together. He was also a spirited WVU fan. Most recently, while battling his illness, Mike braved last winter’s blizzard to watch the Mountaineers’ 74-63 victory against the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks. His life’s work and proudest achievement was his family. He loved his family more than himself and was always the driving force for encouragement and support. His loving and impassioned notes and letters he would write to his family will live on as a primary example of his altruistic love. His devotion was unmatched and his sons rewarded that loyalty and affection by seeking his counsel and guidance and loving him unconditionally. Now, as grown and good men themselves, Brooks, Scott and Tim are proud to call their beloved father their best and wisest friend. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Mike stood by others in times of need and reserved the harshest judgment only for himself. Mike will always be remembered for his selflessness, jovial sense of humor, and his profound love for the people in his life. Mike and his family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, and Mapleshire for their comforting and compassionate care over the last 15 months. As Mike would say, “Thank you, kindly.” Please celebrate Mike’s life and his indomitable spirit with our family at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV on Wednesday, August 3 from 4-7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 19 Jo Glen Drive, Morgantown Thursday, August 4th from 10 a.m until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Father Carlos Melocoton, Jr. as celebrant. Family inurnment will follow at East Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks to consider donations in Mike’s memory to St. Francis School Foundation 41 Guthrie Lane Morgantown, WV 26508 (Memo line) In memory of Brooks Michael Smith, or Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center (MBRCC) PO Box 9300 Morgantown, WV 26506, checks made to WVU Foundation (Memo line) In memory of Brooks Michael Smith.