Michael Jay Smith

Cornish, N.H. — Michael Jay Smith died peacefully Tuesday, May 10, 2016, surrounded by his friends at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. Michael was born Oct. 6, 1954, in Colorado Springs, Colo. to Tom and Jean Smith. After Tom’s time in the military the family moved back to Cambridge, Mass. Michael attended Cambridge Ridge and Latin High School and Hampshire College. He then went on to pursue an acting career in NYC. Realizing that wouldn’t be his vocation he moved to Vershire, Vt. to care take his good friend, Robin Mix’s mother’s property.

For over 30 years Michael had a successful plastering business that took him throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. Thanks to Historic Windsor and Judy Hayward he studied the art of plaster restoration. He became a master at restoration of old plaster including moldings and medallions, one of the few experts in the field in this country. His repairs can be seen in churches, libraries, universities, federal buildings as well as private homes.

Michael always said he was just a craftsman but he truly was an artist. He loved all old buildings and could see the beauty in even the most run down building.

His other passion was people. He loved meeting them and engaging them in conversion with his humor, intelligence and kindness. He will be missed by his partner of over 25 years, Jane Hamlin, his brother James Smith, sister Karen McCall, the Hamlin family and his dogs, Mia and Owen.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Historic Windsor, 54 Main St., PO Box 21, Windsor, VT 05089

A gathering in celebration of his life will be held May 24 at Michael and Jane’s home in Cornish at 6 p.m. An online memory book at www.rickerfuneralhome.com is available for thoughts and stories.