Michael Smith

Age 66, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Knoxville, Iowa on December 17, 1946 to Jay and Myrtle (Borchert) Smith. Following Michael's graduation from high school, he joined the United States Army and served in Korea with the 5761st Signal Corps and honorably discharged in March 1967. Michael had a long career as a telecommunications installer, remaining with the same company for over 30 years beginning with Western Electric and finally retiring from Lucent Technologies after the company transferred ownership. He was known as a skilled and careful craftsman and took great pride in his work. Michael married Kathryn "Kitty" Louise Landwehr in January 1982 and they were blessed with a loving and close relationship for 22 years until Kitty passed away in August 2004. Michael was a devoted husband who lovingly cared for Kitty during the last years of her life when she was in declining health. Michael's great passion in life was golf. He was a skilled and accomplished low-handicap golfer. He was also a long-time member of the Arroyo Del Oso Golf Association. He frequented Albuquerque's municipal courses, especially his "home course" Arroyo Del Oso, and he made numerous lifelong friends there, his beloved "golf buddies." He won many tournaments and if he was not winning he was usually close and he was known for his tenacity and patience with the game. He will truly be missed by his golfing partners on the course. In addition to Kitty, Michael is predeceased by his parents, Jay and Myrtle; and his brother, George. Michael is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Carlson and her husband David, and Ann Hughbanks; stepsons, Tony Kreuch, Sr. and his wife Jeannie, Jim Kreuch, and Bob Kreuch and his wife Carol; step-granddaughters, Alissa Kreuch and Andrea Collatz; and step-grandsons, Tony Kreuch Jr, Tal Kreuch, Patrick Kreuch and Alex Kreuch; sisters-in-law, Joanne Landwehr and Pegi Quinn and her husband Michael; and several nieces and nephews. Michael lived a full and happy life and he will truly be missed by his family and many friends. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 6, 2013, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - Wyoming. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Michael's name to People Living Through Cancer of New Mexico, 3411 Candelaria NE Suite M, Albuquerque, NM 87111, (505) 242-3263, pltc.org/cancer-resources.