WEST GARDINER – John Mark Smead, 63, of West Gardiner, died at home on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, the day after celebrating his 63rd birthday and two years after being diagnosed with ALS. John endured the challenges of ALS with profound grit, strength and determination. Until his death, he maintained his will to communicate with and to care for his family, just as he always had done.
Born on Dec. 25, 1959 in Quantico, Va., John was the second of five children born to Robert T. and Doris (Martel) Smead. John’s early childhood was spent at Camp Lejeune Marine Base where his father was stationed, and then, the family settled in Cornish, N.H. John graduated in 1979 from Steven’s High School in Claremont, N.H. Until the time of his ALS diagnosis. he worked for Proctor and Gamble/Tambrands in both Claremont, N.H. and Auburn, Maine for 35 years. He was a highly respected and talented mechanic and maintenance planner having traveled to Japan, Germany, Canada and other locations throughout the U.S. on behalf of the company.
But first and foremost, John was a family man known for his kindness, compassion and love of family. He loved Lisa and his children, Elizabeth and Kyle, deeply and unconditionally. He was proud of their accomplishments and was always there when they needed him. John’s family was his first priority. John loved children and they were always drawn to him. At family gatherings he would often disappear, but was generally found playing with the kids!
He loved the outdoors; fishing, camping, boating, woodworking, and playing. John spent hours in the garage teaching, watching and sharing his mechanical and woodworking talents. His talents were many. He was a man who could fix anything and when someone needed something fixed, they called John.
John and Lisa Michaud were married on August 8, 1987 in Augusta. They lived in Claremont, NH until 1991 before moving to West Gardiner, where they have lived since. He adored her and she knew it.
John is survived by his wife Lisa; and their children Elizabeth of West Gardiner, and Kyle and his partner Katrina and her son Chase of Lewiston. He is also survived by his siblings Robert Smead of Hartford, Vt., Joseph Smead of Cornish, N.H., Debra Casper and husband Peter (PJ) of Hartford, Vt., Diane Ingalls and her husband Harold of Ascutney, Vt.; his father-in-law, Gerald Michaud of Augusta; brothers and sisters-in-law, Normand and Dianne (Drummond) Michaud of Litchfield, Sheila Michaud of West Gardiner, Peter and Sally (Hamel) Michaud of Vassalboro, and Carol and Brian Rizzo of West Gardiner. John is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Matthew and Andrew Smead, Joseph Smead, Robert Chambers, Blaine and Logan Ingalls, Tyler and Amber Michaud, Adam Michaud and his wife Leah, Isaiah and Carlos Michaud, and Cody and Cameron Rizzo; as well as several great nieces and nephews.
John was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Doris Smead and mother-in-law Jacqueline Michaud.
The family is forever grateful to John’s nurse Dot, who has cared for John with kindness and compassion for nearly two years, to Tracey and Erika massage therapists who came to our home, and to the Home Health staff, most recently to Ivy and Nancy, and to Dr. David Dumont, palliative care physician.
Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home, Gardiner, ME where condolences and memories may be shared with the family at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com. Visiting hours are Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 4-7 pm, and Friday, Dec. 30 from 10-11 am. A funeral service will follow Friday’s visiting hour at 11:00 am at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner.
Some of John’s equipment, home modifications and expenses have been generously supported by foundations which support families and individuals with ALS. The family’s wish is to pay this forward.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an ALS foundation in John’s memory or donations can be given to Lisa and will be used to support an ALS family caring for a family member with ALS at home.
The Paul Larochelle Quality of Life Grant
ALS Organization of Northern New England
The Susie Foundation
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