Robert Lee Schmidt passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at the age of 78, in Bellingham.
Robert (Bob) was born on Aug. 29, 1939 to Delbert and Doris Schmidt in North Platte, Nebraska. He attended school in the small town of Tryon, Nebraska, and went to North Platte High School. Robert then joined the U.S. Navy and served as an aviation bosun’s mate on the USS Wasp from 1956 to 1960. After his discharge, Robert moved to Oregon and then to Seattle where he began his career in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked at Uniflight for many years and continued his career with the IBEW working on various projects for companies in multiple states including Idaho, California and Alaska. After retiring, Robert briefly worked at Western Washington University in its maintenance department. Robert married Sandra Kayton in 1966 and they moved to the Mosquito Lake Road near Deming in 1972 where he and Sandra raised two sons, Kurt and Dale.
As an active member of the community, Robert served as president of the Piranhas Wrestling Club and as announcer at Hannegan Speedway, and he was always lending a hand with his skills as an electrician and a handyman to friends and neighbors. Robert enjoyed competing in team roping with his horses, hunting, fishing and shooting, and also riding motorcycles. Robert loved spending time with his grandchildren, Darren and Megan.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Sandra, father Delbert, mother Doris, younger brother Dale, father-in-law Gene Kayton, mother-in-law Eloise Kayton, and brother-in-law Royce Kayton.
He is survived by his brother Delbert (Wilda) Schmidt; sister-in-law Loie Haggen; brother-in-law Gary (Jo Anne) Kayton; son Kurtis Schmidt; son Dale (Rebecca) Schmidt; daughter Janet Jarvis; and his grandchildren Darren Schmidt, Megan Schmidt and Ellen Jarvis; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At his request, no services will be held.
You may share memories of Robert at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
