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Walter Schmidt Obituary
Walter Schmidt, 63, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2014 in the arms of his loving family after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma and kidney failure. He was born in Philadelphia and moved to Melbourne, Florida to attend Florida Institute of Technology where he met his devoted wife of forty-one years, Cheryl. He earned his bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida and both a master's and Ph.D. in Geology at Florida State University. He retired from the Geological Survey as the Director and State Geologist of Florida after 34 years of dedicated service. Walt was an incredible husband and father, a warm and caring person with an unassuming manner and a dry sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with family camping and being at the beach. Walt was an avid sports fan, supporting the Florida State Seminoles.
Walt is survived by his wife Cheryl and his loving children Amber and David (Natalie) as well as his sister Marie Crowthers. He was preceded in death by his father, Waldemar Eugene Schmidt and his mother Elizabeth Stover Schmidt. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 5th at 1:00 pm at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home on Riggins Road. A reception will follow the service at Culley's.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in honor of Walter Schmidt to: International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Schmidt
Valerie Francisco, P.G.
February 6, 2022
I was thinking of Walt today. Eight years since his passing. Still present in mind and memory. So grateful for his life of example.
Jim Crane
March 24, 2019
I think of Walt often. He is missed by many.
Tom Scott
March 24, 2019
It's hard to believe that it has been five years since Walt left us. Those who knew Walt think of him often. He was a wonderful friend and it was great to work with him for 34 years at the Florida Geological Survey. There is a photo in the tribute video of Walt and me in the field together. That was the last time he and I went in the field together. Seeing that photo brought a smile to my face and tears to my eyes.
Laura Stannard
May 12, 2014
You did good, Walt. A life lived well with a loving family.
You are missed.
Heather Blake
April 13, 2014
We always enjoyed talking with Uncle Walt at family gatherings. His knowledge of Florida's natural areas was incredible! He always managed to visit with everyone at our big family gatherings. I will greatly miss our chats.
Dawn Leone
April 9, 2014
We are all grieving the loss of Uncle Walt. He was the coolest Uncle growing up. He always took time to talk and play with all his nieces and nephews. We will fondly remember the many family camping trips, holiday gatherings and friendly Gator - Seminole rivalry banter. His celebration of life ceremony was a fitting tribute.
Lucien Ladner
April 8, 2014
A good boss. Walt cared for his people and for his science. We will miss him.
Jim Crane
April 8, 2014
Our condolences to Cheryl and all of Walt's family from Jim and Diana. We were out of the country during Walt's passing and were greated with this sad news just as we returned, Walt was an excellent geologist who managed with humor and determination to keep the Bureau of Geology intact and relevant to the citizens of Florida. He was a good friend who helped me immensely with advice,employment and strong support while I was a doctoral student at FSU. I liked Walt a lot and he will be missed by all.
Cara Bradley
April 6, 2014
I went to Walt's FB page today because I haven't heard from him lately. I am truley heartbroken. He was a wonderful person to work for! Sending prayers to Cheryl, David and family. I know he is an angel waiting to see us again in heaven.
Carla Houck
April 6, 2014
For some reason, my condolences disappeared before I wrote my last sentence - Walt was a light in the world. I have to believe that the "other side" is much brighter now!
April 6, 2014
As Tom Scott said, he, Walt & others were green geologists 40 years ago ... and I was their green secretary! Many of us started our families during those same years and I appreciated Walt & Cheryl's friendship and their easygoing, honest approach to life. My heart goes out to you, Cheryl, Amber & David and all others who have been part of his life. Walt was one of the best human beings I have ever known. He was a light to the world in so very many ways.
April 5, 2014
It has been many years since I had the pleasure of working with Walt. I always appreciated his sense of humor and the calm and understanding way in which he approached difficult issues. He will be missed by his many colleagues at the USGS.
Lynn Wingard
April 5, 2014
Blessings to Family of Walt . especially to Cheryl
Sallie and Hadley Hasemeier
IMF TLH support patient & caregivers group
April 5, 2014
We offer our deepest sympathy to Cheryl and all Walt's family and friends. Please know that Walt will be remembered for his dedicated service and profound contributions to his science and his State and, especially, the standard and example he set for dignity in adversity. The memories are good, of kindness and thoughfulness. The memories honor Walt because his tracks are deep, lasting, and meaningful. We hope there will be some comfort in knowing that thoughts of Walt Schmidt are fond and lasting. Jane and Bob Jordan
GLADYS PLEAS
April 4, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kim Enfinger
April 4, 2014
Cheryl, David and Amber,
We are so sorry to hear of Walt's passing. Along with David, our son D.C. was fortunate to have Walt as a scout leader. He always was so supportive and giving to all the scouts. There were many fun times and good memories with Walt. He touched many lives and for this we are very thankful. You are all in our prayers. Kim Enfinger and Family
Rick Green
April 3, 2014
Walt was a mentor to many of us and he will be sorely missed. Qualities that he had as a friend, father and husband were a large part of the reason he was such a great leader. The combination of humor, intellect, integrity and thoughtfulness that he had was rare indeed. He helped make the FGS the respected entity that it is through his masterful guidance and keen understanding of geology and the issues facing this state. His ability to gain the respect and trust of staff, combined with his ability to stand up for what was right made him one of the best at his job in the nation. We were truly blessed to have had him as a mentor and leader.
Shiprock, NM 1978
Greg Henderson
April 3, 2014
Walt was and still is an inspiration to all geologists, but especially those who knew him as a humble friend. All geologists know Shiprock's rocky attributes(See photo), but the Navajo know it as a sacred place for departed spirits. Our loss of Walt's physical being is bearable to his loved ones and friends ONLY because a reunion with his departed spirit is certainly forthcoming... God Bless!
Rick Copeland
April 3, 2014
To Walt's family: I am saddendd and you have my deepest sympathies . I considered Walt a friend and he was a brilliant geologist. He will be missed.
Rick Copeland
April 3, 2014
Walt was a friend and a brilliant geologist. My thoughts are with Walt's family. He will be missed.
Shiprock, NM
Greg Henderson
April 3, 2014
April 3, 2014
Cheryl,
I am sad that Walt is gone,but am gratefull for you and him being a part of Margie and my lives when we were so young and frugal at the FGS in the 70's. God Speed Walt I will see you on the other side.
Mike
Steve and Barbara Vickery
April 2, 2014
David/Natalie and family,
Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Angela Chelette
April 2, 2014
Walt was brilliant and helpful and always so very patient with the newly minted geologists who came to him for help. He was a great mentor and inspiration to many of us. Ed's and my thoughts are with his family.
Renita Barkley
April 2, 2014
I send my condolence to the Schmidt family. I'm deeply saddened to hear of this great loss and pray that you are comforted in this time of bereavement. I met Mr. Schmidt and found him to be quiet and a gentle giant. He will be missed.
Tom Scott
April 2, 2014
Walt was a big part of my geological life for nearly 40 years! Working with him was a pleasure. We started at the FGS as green, young geologists and grew through the years. The FGS benefited greatly from Walt's leadership. He was a great friend and will be missed by all who knew him!
Haig Kasabach
April 2, 2014
Dear Cheryl, It seems like a short time ago I was welcoming Walt to AASG as the newly minted FL State Geologist. I served with him on AASG water and EPA committees. I remember many good times at committee meetings and at AASG meetings,especially when you hosted the Key Largo meeting. We have lost another one of the good guys. Carol and I extend our deepest sympathy as you grieve Walt's death.
Haig Kasabach,NJ State Geologist Emeritus.
Jay Parrish
April 2, 2014
I met Walt at AASG and he was a joy-filled man. May God bless your family and bring you peace during this time of loss.
Clint Kromhout
April 2, 2014
Wiley, deadly smart, and a truly inspiring leader. I very Mich treasure the time I got spend under his highly educative guidance. He was a great blessing to our state.
James (Jim) Cason
April 2, 2014
I have known Walt as both a water manager and as the State Geologist, but most of all as a good friend and citizen. I will long remember him as my friend.
Thomas Herbert
April 2, 2014
I worked with Walt on interesting geologic studies for many of his years. My thoughts have been with with him. Truly a loving family. supported him.
Chacko John
April 2, 2014
Rosemary and I send you our heartfelt condolences. Walt was a good friend of mine who I had first met at an AASG annual meeting. Blessings and Peace to you Cheryl and the rest of the family.
Sheila Doll
April 2, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your father David. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sheila Doll (Jacquie Burris' mom)
Barbara Thomas "Miss Mildred's Mom"
April 2, 2014
May God's love comfort you and your family in time of bereavement as no other can. Hold on to your memories, they will carry you for a lifetime.
Valerie R. (Francisco) Coton, PG.
April 2, 2014
I met and came to know Walt during my 11 year tenure on the Florida Board of Professional Geologists. I could not have more respect or admiration for a person than I did for Walt. He was not only knowledgeable and experienced, but always HONEST, helpful, and sincere-- both personally and professionally. He embodied the legendary persona of BOY SCOUT...and as a lifelong girl scout (and sometime registered boy scout myself)....I mean that not condescendingly, but in the highest regard. He led by example, a trait which is becoming increasingly rare and all the more cherished these days. My deepest condolences to Walt's family. He was a role model and mentor for so many and that is the greatest legacy. He will be missed.
Jim Bonner
April 1, 2014
I am so sadden to hear of the loss of my cousin Walt. He was the closest thing I had to a big brother. As a teenager, Walt let me tag along and I thought it was GREAT! Though we lived far apart I always fondly remember the days when he was so kind to me. My sympathies go out to Cheryl, Amber and David.
Tom Segall
April 1, 2014
To the family members of Walt: I am so saddened to hear of Walt's passing. I first met Walt at a meeting of the Association of American State Geologists. He was energetic, refreshing, caring, and thoughtful. These qualities will never be forgotten by me. I am truly thankful for him being part of my life. Greatest Sympathies, Tom Segall, State Geologist Emeritus, Michigan
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