Mark SMITH Obituary

A gentleman and scholar, Mark was a beacon to other clinicians. He was devoted to his patients, expounded the science and was an overall beautiful human being. A very sad loss to humanity. Deepest condolences to his family.

I have just heard of the tragic passing of Dr Mark Smith. I worked at Canterbury Health Laboratories (Blood Bank and Tissue Typing) for 30 years and during that time had many involvements with Mark. He was a lovely man and a fine Doctor. My thoughts are with his family ... and I am very sad.

I admired his kindness and empathy so very much when I had the privilege on a few occasions to see him with patients. He displayed perfectly all the attributes a junior doctor should aspire too. My thoughts are with his family, friends and haematology colleagues

I worked with Mark many years ago in the BMTU
We worked with a challenging patient
I remember so fondly of his calm professional manner that enabled the best outcome for the patient and family
A wonderful man that will be sadly missed by his patients and colleagues
Thoughts are with his family in this sad time

Speaking as a haematology patient, and the principal charged with the primary school care of Torin and Zoe, these wonderful doctors are unsung heroes. I touched base regularly with Mark in CHch Haemotology, and I am so sad to hear this news. My love and thoughts are with Catherine, Torin, and Zoe as they remember their clever husband and father.

We were saddened to hear of Dr Mark Smiths sudden passing.My sister was a patient of his for a couple of years and found him a very caring and compassionate gentle soul who put us at ease whenever we saw him and also had a friendly smile to greet us. He will be sorely missed by all his family and colleagues at the haemotology dept.
Our deepest sympathy to you all.

I am so sad to learn today about the sudden loss of Mark. Such a caring, kind and connected man, practitioner and Dr. I feel so privileged to have been Mark's patient for over a 10yr time span. He helped me significantly during the identification of an unexpected blood disorder, and guided me safely throughout 3 precious pregnancies, and post natal recovery time. At all times Mark was always open, kind, accessible and compassionate. I will always be so grateful for his care, guidance and patience. My love and blessings to his dear family, I am so sorry for your loss Lisa Webber, Joe, Josh and Claudia Cunningham x

I was saddened to hear of Dr Smiths death my husband was his patient for many years and we found him to be a professional gentleman my condolences are with you all Through the clouds brighter days will come and memories will live on Helen Clutterbuck

I was on the Canterbury Ethics Committee with Mark between 2000 and 2005 and have followed his medical career since. I remember a kind, gentle health professional.

Sending Aroha to all Mark's family at this time, such a huge loss of a man with a big heart. Mark was in my class at Med School he was always thoughtful and kind, one of the good guys who has gone onto give so much to Haematology in Christchurch. Di North

It was a great privilege to have known Mark and work with him. A man with golden heart and gentle spirit. He always went the extra mile to help others. You will be sorely missed. Mark, may the Lord grant you eternal rest. My heartfelt condolences to all of Mark's family.

We were shocked and saddened to have just caught up with news of Mark’s sudden death. From the time I met Mark at primary school memories of laughing ourselves silly at school, to watching the Christchurch Commonwealth games at the Smith home in Christchurch, my memories will be of a humorous, kind, intelligent friend. We always enjoyed the times we caught up. Our thoughts are with you Cathy, Torin and Zoe at this time of unimaginable grief. Kia kaha. Bryan and Susie

I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark's passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy from me to you and your family. Mark was a true gentleman and so professional in every way. I will treasure the memories of our dealings together and our trips to meetings overseas. We had some great adventures.
Cherish your memories of a true husband and father at this time.
Warwick Jeffery ( Wyeth / Pfizer 2005 - 2014).

To the Smith family my sincere sympathy for the loss of Mark. I first met Mark in 2014 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Since then we have been closely engaged in conversations, appointments, text messages and visits when I was in hospital. He showed an interest in the Maori language so I began texting him in Maori ( and the English translation).After that Mark used to always begin his messages to me with "Kia Ora Wiremu" then his message, and conclude with "Nga Mihi,Mark". Since the news of his passing I have been re-reading the last texts from him in August. One of those messages was as follows "Kia Ora Wiremu , I enjoy getting texts from you as I always learn some more Te Reo.
Just for a laugh I sent him a message telling him that Dr Google said my life expectancy for Myeloma expires in September this year. Mark replied "I am very hopeful that Dr Google is wrong and that you will enjoy a good and long time to come. Stay warm. Nga Mihi Mark". This is an example of the type of man he was and the world was a better place with him in it. We will miss him heaps Nga Mihi, Wiremu and Eileen Eruera

It is with great sadness that I learned of Mark's sudden passing. Such a kind hearted and empathetic doctor who literally saved my life. My thoughts and best wishes for the time ahead to his family, friends and colleagues.

Dear Dr Mark
Malo, my father Joseph Tupou has been a Patient of yours since his initial diagnoses of Multiple Myeloma 12 years ago. You have guided, supported, been kind and compassionate and used your vast knowledge and expertise in your treatment and management of dad. When we were first told of his prognosis, we were completely devastated and we did not think for one minute that we would be blessed enough for him to beat so many odds, have periods of being well and For him to be Still with us 12 years later. In this time, because of you and the wonderful staff that support you, our family has had so much fun, we have laughed, traveled, cried, loved and made so many beautiful memories to treasure. I want to thank you for making these blessings possible. God Speed.
Malo 'aupito

To Marks family, thank you for sharing such a talented and special Husband, Father and Son with his patient family. I acknowledge that without the support, understanding and encouragement of all of your family, extended family and friends, Mark would not have been able to be the successful and much loved Consultant that he was. I know that you all must have made so many sacrifices over the years in order for him to be able help so many others and for that I want to say on behalf of Marks patients and their family members, thank you so very much for being the strength behind the man. You all as a team have helped and made a difference to so many people and their peoples loves. Our love and thoughts are with you at time very tragic time.
From our family to yours xx
Kim Shields Tupou and Joesph Tupou xxx

Our though are with you, Cathy, Torin and Zoe at this time of terrible grief. I had the privilege of working with Mark since the early 1990s and always really enjoyed and valued our time together. Take care, Ruth and Les

Mark was an amazing man who has had a huge impact on his field. When you say that about some people, it means they were financially successful. When we say it about Mark it means he saved lives and increased the quality of life for countless people under his watch.

I would not be here to mourn him today were it not for his efforts and guidance throughout my life. When someone passes we talk about Legacy, Mark's is a storied one which carries on with his family and the families able to live and prosper due to his actions and dedication to healing.

My heart is broken that he was taken so soon and my condolences to his Family, friends, colleagues and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Such a terrible blow to hear about my dear friend Mark, a shimmering light, who made my treasured mate Cathy, happy all their life together,through rough deals and much joy. I was privileged to be able to share fun times in our carefree youth and later during their London life stage, and their great happiness as Torrin and then Zoe were born in the capital. All my love to Cathy, Torrin and Zoe and the rest of his family, and a medical and patient community who will also be feeling his loss to haematology.
'Though we need to weep your loss,
You dwell in that safe place in our hearts'... John O'Donohue
Deborah McPherson
UK, formerly of Christchurch.

Mark has been my Haematologist for the past 11 years, he met all my family and we all were so impressed by him, he had our 100% trust and under his care, I never worried about anything. My last appointment with him was on the day he passed. I will miss his care, his guidance, his sly wit, I will miss him. My condolences to his family, they will know what they have lost. Also in my thoughts are his loving patients and his work colleagues. New Zealand has lost a great man, a family man with the skills to save lives, mine being one of those. Goodbye Mark, thank you my friend, I am lost.

To Marks family,he was an amazing man and doctor.He helped my family through the Haemophilia journey and we will miss him greatly.May the angels help him fly high.
S.Inwood,M.Walls and T.Ellis.CHCH.

Our deepest condolences to Cathy, Torin and Zoe for your loss of Mark. He was a much loved and respected part of the Smith-Gray-Pope clan. His cousins:
Spencer, Justin, Damian and Brendan Smith

so sorry to hear such a talented doctor been robbed from us
yawani Jansz

So sorry to hear about the wonderful mark he was my a amazing man to me and my family he help me with my family . The Christchurch hosptail staff will miss him is a wonderful doctor. From the heenan family

Blessings Mark. You have helped so many on their blood cancer journey, and worked with them, including me, to save their lives. thankyou for your smile, friendly face, your translation of medical speak and skills. With Love and Light