Editor’s note: This story is by Andrew Martin and Kayla Friedrich, of the News & Citizen and Stowe Reporter, in which it was first published March 3, 2016.
What kind of guy was Mickey Smith?
You were glad to see him coming, and you were glad when he stuck around.
“My day always seemed to get a bit brighter after time spent with him,” said Tim Messier, Lamoille Union’s athletic director.
“He was conscientious, loyal and a good, solid member of the community,” said Brad Limoge, who employed Smith for 25 years at the News & Citizen.
“Mickey was a wonderful person,” said Marilyn Frederick, business manager for the Lamoille Union School District; she often worked with Mickey when budget season rolled around. “He was committed to his family, his community, and his work. He had a nose for news and a heart for this community that ensured he was going to put in the time and ask the right questions to get the facts in getting the story.”
That passionate, respectful, intelligent and happy-go-lucky man died of an apparent heart attack early Saturday morning.
Mickey Smith, 45, was editor of the News & Citizen, a longtime resident of Morrisville and a pillar of the community.
As the news spread about his passing, the family was flooded with love, support and sharp, vivid memories.
His wife, Kristin, has invited people to write stories about Mickey or to share photos at a celebration of his life on Friday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at the Morrisville VFW. Kristin would like to collect them all into a book for their two young girls, Emma, 2, and Charlianne, 10 months.
Mickey was never afraid to jump in with both feet, whether he was jumping into Lake Elmore for the annual Polar Splash or running for office. But nothing came before his family.
“Mickey was a good, fun-loving family man,” Limoge said. “He was proud of his two daughters and the family he had.”
“I was really happy for Mickey when he got married and had his first child,” said Todd Thomas, Morristown zoning administrator. “He was such a proud parent, such a proud father, and I really enjoyed that whenever there was a town event, you could always count on seeing Mickey and his family there.”
“He started a very happy family in his 40s,” said state Sen. Richard Westman, “and he was always dragging them to all kinds of community events. He doted on his wife and children and it was a pleasure to see them together. He was a great dad.”
Mickey Smith grew up in Morristown, left to attend college, but soon returned to work for the local newspaper. He was a reporter for over 20 years, and was promoted to editor of the News & Citizen when J.B. McKinley retired last July.
“As Mick’s co-worker, boss, and sometimes mentor, first and foremost he was my happy and loyal friend. I will miss him enormously,” said McKinley.
“Mickey was always very passionate about trying to do what was right for the community,” said Dan Lindley, Morristown town administrator. “That’s what I will remember.”
The United Way is collecting donations for “Mickey’s Girls,” a fund to help support the two daughters that Mickey and Kristin had. Donations can be sent to the United Way of Lamoille County, 20 Morrisville Plaza, Morrisville, VT 05661. Donations can also be dropped off at the TD Bank drive-thru. Checks should be made out to the United Way of Lamoille County — Mickey’s Girls. Anyone with any questions can call Dawn Archbold at 888-3252.
