photo by Merri Rudd

Death of Mike Smith, Tucson, AZ, First posted, January 18, 2006, 7:16 p.m. MST

A few hours ago Tucson musician Mike Smith, pictured above at Arizona’s Dance in the Desert in November 2005, died unexpectedly. Yesterday, January 17, 2006, Mike fell off a ladder in his studio and hit his head. Despite medical attention, the damage was so severe that life support was removed today. Some of you may remember fondly when one of Mike’s bands, Round the House, visited Albuquerque in July 2004. They performed at the Biopark, jammed in Richard and Alana Eager’s backyard, and played for the Albuquerque contra dance. We enjoyed them!

Mike was a master of many things–the rhythm anchor of Round the House, as well as other bands; a skilled woodworker; a real estate broker; a philosopher. He was also a kind and generous soul. He loved his family and friends, especially his beloved Cate; he loved playing guitar; he loved crafting wood; he loved being outdoors.

I don’t understand the ways of the universe. I do know that we think we are strong, but we are fragile. We think we are immortal, but we’re not. We hope we’ll live to see another day, but we may not. We wish the world were just, but it isn’t always. Mike understood this and much more. We should live as if each day were our last, treating each other with kindness and compassion. I wish Mike peaceful travels on his next journey and the opportunity to jam with other great departed souls. He will be deeply, deeply missed by many. I am proud to have known you, Mr. Guitar Man.

WHEN I GO (listen to this song by scrolling down the page: http://www.folkweb.com/davecartertracygrammer/whenigo-load.ra )

…..spring, spirit dancer, nimble and thin, i will leap like coyote when i go
tireless entrancer, lend me your skin, i will run like the gray wolf when i go
i will climb the rise at daybreak, i will kiss the sky at noon
raise my yearnin voice at midnight to my mother in the moon
i will make the lay of long defeat and draw the chorus slow
i’ll send this message down the wire and hope that someone wise is listenin’ when i go…..

sigh, mournful sister, whisper and turn, i will rattle like dry leaves when i go
stand in the midst where my fire used to burn, i will camp on the night breeze when i go
and should you glimpse my wanderin’ form out on the borderline
between death and resurrection and the council of the pines
do not worry for my comfort, do not sorrow for me so
all your diamond tears will rise up and adorn the sky beside me when i go

WHEN I GO, lyrics and music written by Dave Carter
August 13, 1952 – July 19, 2002
http://daveandtracy.globalhosting.com/index.php