Donald Norman Schmid

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Norman Schmid of Frederick, CO announces his passing on Friday April 21, 2017 at the age of 64 following a courageous battle with Leukemia. Don went peacefully in his home with his beloved dog sleeping beside him and his wife nearby. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Patty; his daughters Melissa Rish and Allison George and son-in-law Jon George; his 3 grandchildren Charlie(9) and Cody George (6) and Lorelai Rish (3); his brother David Schmid and many extended family members and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father Norman Schmid and his mother Irja (Osterland) Schmid. Don was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He built an amazing life for himself with his wife, Patty; who was his best friend and love of his life. He had a long and successful career as a diesel mechanic and shop foreman. His two daughters will always remember him as a goofy yet loving and supportive father. When with his 3 grandchildren, Don, or Papa as he was known to them, had a smile from ear to ear and a special twinkle of love in his eyes. Their memories of him will include Papa being silly, going to the dog park, snowmobiling, ATVing, and eating saltine crackers. There was one more incredibly special member of his family, his dog Leroy. Leroy was often at Don’s side and they enjoyed taking walks and going to the dog park to throw the ball. Don’s favorite place in the world was the cabin he and Patty built near Grand Lake, CO. He loved to spend hours chopping wood and snowmobiling there. Don was also involved with Habitiat for Humanity, both building houses and in the Restore, as well as Mending Faces where he would travel with a multidisciplinary team to the Phillipines to repair cleft lips and palates. Don also loved to travel with his wife. Some of their travels included Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Thailand and Japan. Don was diagnosed with Leukemia in September 2016. He took on his fight against this aggressive disease with determination, strength and a smile on his face. He often teased the doctors and nurses taking care of him even when he was not feeling well. Even at his sickest he fought to get people to join the national bone marrow registry so that other’s lives could be saved. He was a true fighter, inspiration and hero and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Donations in his name can be made to BeTheMatch.org, Habitat for Humanity and Mending Faces. Service Information Visitation Monday April 24, 2017 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Chapel 503 Terry Street Longmont, CO 80501 Celebration of Life Tuesday April 25, 2017 3:00 PM to 12:00 PM Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Chapel 503 Terry Street Longmont, CO 80501