SMYTHE, Mark Cyprian Ward Passed away suddenly after an unexpected cardiac event whilst hiking with friends on the Mt Wilson Trail, Los Angeles hills, USA, on Sat 9 May (Sun 10 May in NZ), aged 53. Deeply loved by his family in his homeland of New Zealand: father Brian Smythe; mother Ginny Ward; sisters Pepe Becker and Kate Ward-Smythe; Brian's wife Liz; Ginny's partner Paul; nephews Daniel, Thomas and Nick Becker; niece Ella Ward-Smythe; his many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family; also much loved by his Australian friends, and his colleagues, music students and many friends in America. Forever remembered in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he blessed with his beautiful music and generous presence. "Fly with the audacious angels, by Toutatis!" A memorial ceremony for Mark will be held on Sunday 14 June 2026 at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts (NCMA), 48 Nile Street, Nelson starting at 3.30pm. A tribute slideshow will be screened from 3.10pm prior to the commencement of the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to NCMA at www.ncma.nz. The live stream for His LA service is available at https://www.youtube.com/live/oRGgleJ2FvQ?si=0x9TcDndMmH_Hlgo The live stream of his Nelson service is able to be accessed by clicking on the open live steam link below.
Proudly part of
Mark, you had contributed to much to the world of music. So many works to remember you by. Thank you so much.
Ginny & Brian - there are no appropriate words at this unjust time, but w remember well the glow of your warm welcome when we joined 'the street' in 1979. We didn't know Mark as a man, but the buzz & enthusiasm of happy children, were a reflection of he & his sisters idyllic childhood. Arohanui.
The world feels a little quieter. The loss of Mark is a shock that hasn't quite settled into reality, it’s hard to reconcile the vibrant energy of his last messages, with the stillness he leaves behind. For those of us lucky enough to be in his orbit, we are now holding onto the echoes of his laughter and the brilliance of his spirit.
Mark was that rare individual who managed to be both a titan of talent and a truly grounded human being. Within the APRA AMCOS community and our LA creative family, he was more than just a colleague; he was a pillar, an anchor and as I called him, the unofficial Mayor.
In a town often defined by the "hustle," Mark prioritized people. He was the antidote to the Los Angeles "standard excuse." If you needed him, he was there. He’d rearrange his world to make sure a simple coffee or lunch happened. He just found time, made time, gave you time - now all cruelly and suddenly taken away.
He possessed that quintessential Aussie/Kiwi humour—sharp-witted, self-deprecating, and always punctuated by a mischievous spark in his eye. He turned a massive, intimidating industry into a small neighbourhood for everyone he encountered. He was a warm hug, a free spirit and he brought energy into the room that was unlike no other. He was compassionate, kind, supportive, nurturing and always up for a laugh.
While there is an undeniable void where his music and voice used to be, we refuse to let that silence define him. Mark was a man of works in progress, always building toward something beautiful. It feels deeply unfair that he won’t get to finish the chapters he had planned, but the body of work he did leave us is a profound gift to the world. Mark’s musicality told you everything you needed to know about why he was a composer of choice. It wasn't just skill it was soul.
Our hearts are heavy for the Smythe family. We especially hold Mark’s mother in our thoughts, whom he spoke of with such immense pride and tenderness. To his friends and collaborators across the globe - may we continue to play his music loud enough to fill the space he left behind.
We will forever love you, adore you and miss you - Vote Mark, Vote Shark 🦈
Kia ora e te whanau o Smythe
Hamish and I were so shocked to hear of the passing of your brother Mark. We got your message from Ron Thomson. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui Kate & Pepe. Arohanui Daneille and Hamish Fletcher xx
Such a huge shock to hear of your tragic passing, Mark. So many memories over the years - most of them involving music in some form or other but also family and social time together as well. I will miss you my friend - your cheeky smiley eyes and jovial jibing and your absolutely brilliant talent and love for all those around you. Moe mai rā dear friend. Love you xxx
Little squirt, the youngest of us as children and further separated from the consecutive cousin countdown until he caught up on his birthday. Three weeks later he was back to bring the baby of the pack.
And we all grew up! Mark became the tallest of us all, gentle and gregarious in equal measure. Supremely talented, I can't say if he dreamed bigger than the rest of us but he fearlessly chased his to manifest a life far from his small town beginnings. In this courage he found reality in a plastic city, uncovered the beauty of its spaces, natural and man-made. Lived in real connection with the people he engaged with. Mark, aptly named, left his mark in our hearts, his smile was pure joy, his music a stunning legacy we have come to cherish with his untimely departure. Sweet soul, shine bright in them there heavens.