Michael Ortiz Smith, 68, beloved husband, son and brother, of Redondo Beach, CA, passed peacefully on January 11, 2026. Michael will be remembered for his ability to see beauty in all things, his quick wit, his kindhearted and gentle approach to life, and his love of Yoga and chocolate chip cookies.

A graduate of Lakeside High School in Seattle, Michael dedicated his professional life to aerospace engineering and satellite design. He received his Bachelor's degree from MIT and his Master's degree from the UW. After completing his education, Michael moved to Southern California to work for Hughes Space & Communications (now Boeing), where he met his wife, Mary Jane Efflandt, and later transitioned to TRW (now Northrop Grumman Corporation).

Michael is survived by his wife and their two dogs, Grace and Hannah; his mother, Eleanor Smith; his siblings, Carlos Smith (Sumi Hayashi), Stephen Smith and Felicia Gittleman; and many more friends and family who he loved and treasured.

A service to celebrate Michael's life will be planned at a later date.