Mike Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund

Established in 2020 by family, friends and former students in memory of Mike Smith. Mike was a dedicated, enthusiastic teacher for 40 years in West Vancouver, 30 of those years at Hillside Secondary School as PE Department Head, Geography teacher, and Vice-Principal. He had a good sense of humour and loved a lively discussion.

Colleagues recalled that, beginning in 1957, Mike’s energy and commitment helped to establish the new Hillside Secondary School’s excellent reputation in BC. He was regarded as “going above and beyond” whether helping to organize Provincial Athletic Tournaments, reviewing Provincial Geography curriculum or participating in school musicals. 

Mike appreciated the life lessons that athletics offered to young people. During his career he coached most, if not all, school sports. Notably, he coached and toured the South Pacific with several Hillside and West Van Secondary Rugby teams, and he coached Hillside and West Van Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams at the Provincial level. After retirement from his final teaching assignment at West Van Secondary, Mike continued to coach, helping with a new Junior Men’s Rugby Team at Rockridge Secondary and a new Senior Woman’s Rugby Team at West Van Secondary. He was coaching the sons and daughters of his former students!

Former students have recalled Mike’s patience, his supportive and positive attitude and his “gentlemanly” manner as a coach. Students and their families also knew him from Ambleside Pool where he had been a life guard and a swim instructor for many years. In 2001, North Shore Secondary Schools Athletic Association honoured Mike for “50 years of outstanding dedication to coaching.”

Mike was also an enthusiastic supporter of high school musicals. Mike loved music, was a long time attendee at VSO, Opera and other concert venues. He sang in 2 West Vancouver community choirs.

Mike took genuine pleasure in his student’s successes at school and in life. He, himself, loved learning and was an avid reader throughout his life.

The Mike Smith Memorial Scholarship was created to support a $1000 scholarship award for a graduating West Vancouver public school student who demonstrates Mike’s qualities of: self motivation, enthusiasm for learning, commitment to community and a sincere desire to help others.