Husband, father and friend, David Mitchell Schmidt passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2020, after a long struggle with advanced Parkinson’s disease with dementia. He will be profoundly missed by those he loved and who loved him.
Dave was born in Helena Montana at St. John’s Hospital to Gerry and William Schmidt on October 10, 1953. He attended Helena schools and served in the US Coastguard as a surfsman coxswain, driving motor lifeboats. Dave graduated from The University of Montana with degrees in Geology and Geography. Dave’s water rights career included the State of Montana DNRC, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and principal/owner of Water Rights Solutions, Inc.
Dave was married for forty years, a great accomplishment!, to Jeanie Stearns Schmidt. She survives him along with their three children: Elizabeth (Max) of New Orleans, William of Helena, and Ramie of Seattle. and best canine companion, Tula. He is also survived by his brothers Jon of Helena and Paul of Vancouver, as well as his Stearns family: Nancy (Jim) of Eugene, Michelle (Pat) of Arlee, Jim of Whitehall, Tom (Noriko) of Butte, Tim (Linda) of Seattle and Hal (Sheila) of Missoula, along with his many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.
Dave loved Montana. His favorite places were Glacier National Park, Yellowstone Park and anywhere with skiing. He had a special place in his heart for Great Divide ski area where you could find him most weekends with his children and friends. Summers were spent camping and canoeing with his family and teaching them about the land, whether he was speaking of rock formations, the best camping spots (Holland Lake) or taking them on extreme hikes they weren’t sure they could survive, but always did because Dad was a pro. He knew nature and this beautiful state like the back of his hand. His hobbies included model trains, collecting stamps, rocks, minerals, and fossils. He played men’s league basketball for many years in Missoula, Lewistown, Kalispell, Denver, and Helena. Dave loved his Montana Grizzlies, Gonzaga basketball and the Golden State Warriors.
The family enjoyed traveling with trips to the Pacific coast, Europe when Elizabeth was in Cork, Ireland as a student, many trips to Canada, the International Stamp Show in Washington, DC, and a special trip to New York City. A highlight was joining Jeanie’s sisters and husbands for a wonderful trip to Todos Santos in December 2018 which would be the last time he was able to travel.
Many thanks to Ft. Harrison VAMC, especially Dr. Jim Meyers, Dr. Mary Anderson and Dr. Mark Dietz and Jared, RN, along with those of you loyal friends and family who visited or spent time with Dave in the last years. A most special thanks to Jalissa, David’s home care aide, who brightened up his days.
Due to Covid restrictions, a family celebration of life will be held later this month in Arlee, in full view of the Mission Mountains, which he loved. Burial with military honors will be held next summer at the Ft. Harrison Veteran’s Cemetery in Helena. Memorials in Dave’s name may be made to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of David.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kathleen Hamill says
Sorry, Jeanie and family. I didn’t know your husband and father, he sounds like a great guy. My prayers are with you.
Terri McLaughlin says
Jeanie and Family, I was so sad to hear Dave had passed away. He was a treat to work with for many years, both pros and cons 🙂 Take care and may memories lift you thru this tough time.
Silvio (Sam) & Jaye Rodriguez says
Jeanie, we were saddened to read about Dave’s passing. I have many fond memories of working with Dave in the Lewistown Water Resources Office.
We moved back to Nevada and by chance decided to look at the Helena Obituaries, imagine the surprise.
Please take care and we hope your memories of Dave will help support you through these hard times.
Robyn says
David went to school with me from Jefferson Elementary, to Helena High the class of 1972! I was sorry to hear of his passing! My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time!
Keith and Chris Routzahn says
Chris and I are very saddened to hear of the loss of David. It was always a joy to see David whether at at a Griz game or gatherings. We wish Jeannie and her family the best. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Craig Bacino says
To the family of Dave:
I was truly surprised and saddened this morning to hear that Dave had passed. We met at UM in geology and geography classes, 1983-1985. His wit was unsurpassed. Years later, after we went our separate ways, me to DC, Dave to Lewistown and Denver, I had the opportunity to work briefly with him on Montana reserved water rights issues. It was always a pleasure to run into Dave in Helena, whether it was at his office on Clark Street, downtown, or at the Great Divide (he was an excellent skier). My heart goes out to you. Dave was a wonderful person.
Luke Osborne says
Dear Jeanie and family, we are saddened to hear the news of Dave’s passing. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know Dave and listening to all his stories. Our condolences, prayers and best wishes for you and your family in this time.
Jan Langel says
Sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. I really enjoyed working with him over the years. He will be missed.
Sterling Sundheim says
Jeanie and family, so sad to hear of Dave’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I will treasure a lot of good memories from both work and play through the years.
Myles VanHemelryck says
Jeanie and family, very saddened with the news of Dave’s passing. Our many work related trips and visits will always be remembered. Prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Kathryn Lambert says
Dear Schmidt Family – I am so sad to hear about Dave’s passing. He was wonderful to work with over the last 3 decades as a DNRC Water Resources Specialist and as a consultant in many different water rights matters. My condolences to you all.
John Tubbs says
A sad loss indeed. It’s been a few years but I most enjoyed Dave when we would drink a beer at the Great Divide and smile about all the powder we just cut. When the powder flies again you can expect me to raise a glass in remembrance.
Carol Brown says
I am so sorry Jeanne for your loss. I enjoyed and respected Dave so much through the years that I was privileged to work with him and for him. He will be remembered and missed so much.
Chris Ruffatto says
Dave and met on the chair lift at Bridger Bowl in 1972 on a really cold windy day. He was kind enough to give me a ride home in his cold blooded VW bug while I kept his windshield scraped. He soon went into the Coast Guard and we lost track of each other. Turns out we ended up working in Missoula at the Water Rights office together for over three years. Dave and I hiked and skied many days together, traveled to countless meetings together and shared the same interests and majors at U of M. We had such a good time together that we had to start focusing on “just staying out of trouble”. I will miss Dave’s sharp wit and his ability to always get a smile out of anyone. Jeanie, I’m still sorry for sticking a diaper pin into your water bed while changing Ben’s diaper at your house in Missoula. I heard all about it at work the next day!
Kim Overcast says
Jeanie and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave”s passing. I worked with Dave for many years and we would often debate water related issues. I Invariably learned something from those visits. He shared his enthusiasm about model trains and invited me to see what he had set up. I wish I would have seized that opportunity. I will hold you up in prayer throughout this difficult time.
jan r mack says
Together Dave & I opened the Missoula Water Rights Field Office. We became close friends outside of work, hiking, skiing, and camping. Crystal Park was a favorite tradition we shared. Sitting in a dusty hole searching for geologic gifts from the great spirit. Camping at the Crystal Palace with the kids, all fond memories. Dave was a part of many adventures, good laughs, fun times. Condolences to Jeanne, and family.
Chuck Brasen says
Jeanie,
What a shock to hear of Dave’s passing. I enjoyed our Kalispell time together… especially on the basketball court. Dave would always keep one on their toes at work too. I have come to understand that “death is the state of being where you exist only in the minds of others.” May your memories be pleasant ones.
Colleen A Peterson says
Jeanne and family, so sorry to hear this, Sending you prayers and love.
Jeff Lovely says
Jeanie and family. Dave was truly an angel amongst us. I’m grateful that in this life our paths crossed giving us the chance to get to know each other. Take very good care of yourselves and know that Dave was loved by many and can now Rest In Peace. May God Bless you and keep you in his care.
Audrey Blomquist Kelly says
Jeanie and Family: Sending our deepest sympathy and prayers to all of you during this sad time. I have many fond memories of working with Dave on water issues. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you. We are all thinking of you. Take care.
Sanna Porte says
Dave was a Helena High classmate, friend, and Belmont/Great Divide ski buddy. I’m so sad and sorry.
Sheryl E Wilmes says
Sorry to hear how hard it must have been for all of you. I would love to visit with you.
Dan Stinson says
Dear Jeanie and all –
I know this is pretty late, but I need to send my sincere condolences, even after all this time. I’m afraid I was struggling with my own problems back then and am now finally reclaiming my life from the fog. I was reminded of that part of the past today when I happened to have a chance meeting with your sister at the Caverns and we talked. That’s the way my life and memory comes back to me, as the fog in my mind swirls away revealing memories and friends from the past. And after the memories come clearer, my mind goes through all those long-stored thoughts and I can appreciate the small facets of each image.
I’m sure I must have heard about Dave going through something while I was ‘preoccupied’, but I just wasn’t able to do much at the time. I’m so sad for the memory of Dave. He was a man of many passions, some of which we shared, and I know his family was at the top of his list. The world is less for the loss of him, and trust that with time and God’s grace we can all gather again in the future.
I have tried to reach out, but technology fails me and I suppose I’ll turn to the old-fashion methods. I must admit there is a certain elegance and human touch to the written word. Please know that you are all in my thoughts.
Dano