Michael Leonard Smith, 69, of Ely, Iowa, passed away due to cancer on October 26, 2013.

Smith was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, one of two children born to the late Leonard and Jean Smith. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School and attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he met his wife and best friend of 48 years, Shirley (Feldman) Smith.

He was an active member of the Iowa Harness Horse Association and the USTA. His true passion for the sport of harness racing was an inspiration to not only family members, but any person willing to sit and watch a few race replays.

Aside from a great day of racing at the Iowa County Fairs, Smith created a lifetime of memories at Quad City Downs. Whether hauling a trailer full of hopeful cheque getters, winning with the occasional longshot on the outside or just a night of wagering, his true adoration for this sport will forever be missed.

Smith touched the lives of many people with his smile and maintained his trademark sense of humour all the way to the end. His steadfast approach of both perseverance and integrity will forever be a lasting memory.

He will forever be remembered by his devotion to his family, including his three children that are active in harness racing, Scott Smith, Debbie Philipp and Jodi Siamis. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Sierra Philipp, Ryan Smith, John Philipp, Dalton Smith and Max Philipp. He was preceded in death by his son, Bryan; brother, Dr. Patrick; parents, Leonard and Jean; and many other relatives.

A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 29 at St Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Friends may visit with the family on Monday (October 28) at Teahen Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Michael Smith.

(USTA)