Michael Smith

Charles Michael (Mike) Smith passed away at Stanford Hospital from complications due to a heart and kidney transplant, necessary because of his underlying condition of muscular dystrophy which went undiagnosed until 2013. He was 56.

Michael was a lifelong resident of Sonoma County, growing up in Rincon Valley and graduating from Santa Rosa High in 1983. He worked at Sears in customer service; for Northern Coast Officials Association as an umpire and referee; and at Redwood Credit Union, where he met his future wife, as a teller and branch utility. He attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University, graduating with an accounting degree in 1996. After taking the CPA exam, where he earned the highest score in California that year, he went to work at a CPA firm in Larkspur, CA, earning his license in 1999, and specializing as an auditor. He became a partner in 2008. He began his own firm, Michael Smith CPA, in 2018. He was also a notary public for over 30 years and a committed volunteer with Tax-Aid for over 25 years.

Michael was a competitive swimmer as a child and through high school. He adored all sports, especially attending Oakland Athletics games as a season ticket holder for over 30 years. He also loved the San Jose Sharks, the Oakland Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors. He was a huge fan of the Guanella Brothers fast pitch softball team and that began his interest in officiating. You might argue with a call he made as umpire or referee but you could never argue with his knowledge of the rules.

He had lived in Petaluma with his family since 1998. He was a brilliant man whose dry and witty sense of humor was remarked on by everyone.

He is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Kelly Karuntzos Smith, and their son, Ryan Michael Smith; his parents, Chuck and Linda Smith; sister Charlyn Keyser and husband David; brother Jeff Smith and wife Jill; brother James Smith and partner Rachell; nieces and nephews Ashley, Shannon, Kaylene, Katarina, Mackenzie, Cameron and Aaron; several great-nieces and one great-nephew; many aunts, uncles and cousins; his Karuntzos in-laws; his close friends, especially Marcos Della and Robbe McAlexander; and many co-workers and clients.

Donations can be made to CaringBridge.org or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.