Michael JASONSMITH Obituary

We are so sad to hear of Michaels passing tonight. He went to St Bedes School with our Son Matthew and to be sent this news is devasting. Condolences to Michaels Family. You are all in our Thoughts and Prayers. Sending, Love , Light and peace to you all. David and Valerie Walker .

So sorry to hear about Michael. I'm Neville Churcher, one of the three former Computer Science HODs (along with Bruce McKenzie and Tim Bell) who were at this morning's service -- that's a real sign of the respect and affection that a generation in the department had for Michael.

I'll share one personal story. As you know, Michael had a big personality and was always positive. Computer science academics can be a dull bunch and when I took over as HOD we had the threat of redundancies to deal with so we needed cheering. I had spotted the then fairly new International Talk Like a Pirate Day and suggested we might celebrate it. Michael was all for it and encouraged everyone. On the day, we replaced the UC logo on our web page with the jolly roger, at 5 bells we issued a tot of rum instead of the usual morning tea, and for the rest of the day answered the phone with "Ahoy!" You won't be surprised to see who is wielding the cutlass and giving "Arrrghhh me hearties" his best effort!

We are very sorry to hear of the untimely death of Michael and express our warmest condolences to Michele, Ada, Jenifer, George, Julia and Adelaide. We wish you much strength and confidence during these difficult days.
Inge & Max Lustenberger, Switzerland

Sorry to hear this sad news Jennifer and George
Our sincere condolences

I have known Michael since late 2001, not long after I first moved to New Zealand from Jersey, and settled in CHCH after a few months. I had moved into a flatshare with my friend Tim in the upstairs flat at No 1 Bealey Ave. I met Michael not long after moving in as he was studying with Tim Wright at UC doing his Phd at the time. Michael was always a bright and cheery chap, lots of enthusiasm for everything!
He soon joined us as a flatmate at no1 Bealey Ave, and was renown for his creativity with cooking which was quite inventive at times! I still can't think about mince casserole! He was always up for hosting guests from wherever they came from around the world. He had the best sense of humour, and was able to laugh at himself too which is a very rare quality indeed.
I left the flat around the end of 2003 when I went home to Jersey for a 3 month trip, but Michael very kindly hosted my sister Emma for Christmas Day at no 1 as she found herself traveling around New Zealand at that time. Michael stayed on in the flat after I left, with ever changing flatmates that is the legacy that was known as the Bealey Ave Massive. When 1 flatmate left, there was something of a shuffle of rooms in the flat to get bigger or more desirable rooms.
Michael always made a point of arguing the difference in an argument too. He admitted that he would do this, even if he didn't think he was right - I think he just loved the verbal sparring!
I have very a special memory of Michael which my husband probably owes him a beer or 2 for! Back in early 2004, I had met a young Kiwi chap Will at UC´s Orientation week. I had just started a Master´s degree at UC and Will was in his 2nd year at teacher´s college next door. Will asked me if I wanted to come along to a party he was at with his friends, but seeing as I didn´t really know him (or his friends) very well, I asked Michael if he would come along with me for moral support. Michael was happy to do so, and chivvied me along otherwise I probably never would have turned up by myself.
22 years later, 'Will the Kiwi' and I live in Jersey, and have now been married for 16 years this August, with a nearly 10-year-old daughter. My daughter Mabel had the absolute privilege of meeting both Michele and Michael early 2020 when they stopped by Jersey on a European trip. I´m sure Mabel is very grateful for Michael´s and Mummy's friendship at the time, otherwise there would have been no `Mummy and Daddy´ or Mabel around today!
Forever thankful for this, and many more acts of kindness and friendship over the years. I will miss you my dear friend Michael. xxx