NEWPORT – Richard“Dick”Vern Schmidt, 78 of Newport, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Hospice House of Spokane on January 3, 2022.
Richard was born on August 1, 1943, in Granite Falls, MN to Arthur and Sara Schmidt. Richard was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. After attending school in Granite Falls, Richard served his country in the Army from 1961-1964 while being stationed in Germany.
He worked in the Granite Falls area for a few years at a gas station and construction company prior to moving to Washington in 1973. Once Richard decided that Newport was going to be his forever home, he worked in the logging industry for Merritt Brothers Lumber and drove logging truck for Akre Logging and Cliff Irish Logging.
Richard was a proud member of the American Legion and attended the American Lutheran Church.
In 1982, Richard met the love of his life, Janet Snow, and they spent close to 40 years together. They both enjoyed going fishing, NASCAR, and cheering on their favorite team, the Gonzaga Bulldogs. One of Richard’s most fulfilling and memorable life experiences was the“Family Cruise to Alaska”!
Not only was Richard a very kind and caring man, but he was also the type of person who would drop anything for a friend in need. Consistently one of the funniest people in the room, he was never incapable of cracking a well-timed joke. One of his favorite sayings when asked how he was feeling, even when knowingly nearing the end of his life, was that he was “finer than frog hair”. Richard was always a light in the world even when it was trying so hard to be full of darkness.
Richard is survived by his stepdaughter Charlotte Schmidt and grandson Zachary Cayer. His sisters Julie (Kerry) Steffen, Linda Bestland, sisters-in-law Jetta Schmidt and Esther Schmidt, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Janet’s children Lori (Ben Nelson) and Shelly (Pat) Phillips. Richard was especially close to his niece Jodi (Art) Ribail their children Garrett Ribail & Tyler Ribail and his nephew Gary (Donni) Gabbert and their children Jarid Gabbert and Karli (Shane) Robinson and his good friend Roy Oscarson. He was preceded in death, by his parents, companion Janet Snow, brothers Orville, Doug and David Schmidt and sister Beverly Gabbert.
A special thank you to the Hospice House of Spokane for making Richard’s final days as comfortable as possible.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
Sherman-Campbell Funeral & Cremation Services in Newport, WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at shermancampbell.com.
