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Richard Schwindt Obituary
Richard Schwindt died peacefully December 6, 2012 at his home in Columbus, GA. Born in Glendive, MT to Pastor Reinhold and Austine Schwindt in 1936, he traveled far beyond the western badlands. He earned his M.D. at the University of Washington in the early 1960's. By the mid-1960's he was Chief of Medical Services for the U.S. military hospital in Nuremberg, Germany. The years in Europe inspired a lifetime of travel and adventure. In the late 1960's he moved his family to Bellingham, WA and with further training at the University of Utah helped establish one of the first out-patient surgical centers and cardiac catheterization labs, as well as helping to build Northwest Medical Center. Although a deeply committed physician, his restlessness and curiosity led to a wide range of business ventures including a fly fishing shop, a lumber yard and a computer software company. He was also a pioneer in developing mid-water fisheries on the west coast.
His interests ranged widely, from a love of the outdoors and natural history to human history and the visual arts. Returning to medicine in the 1990's after additional training at Yale, he once again found what best suited his restless mind. He was not content to practice by formulary but was deeply engaged in the challenge of medicine. He was a gifted man who cared deeply for his patients, and his forthright opinions were tempered with a wry sense of humor. He was capable of great insight and painfully aware that a head of fine gold is carried on feet part of iron, part of clay.
Whether fly fishing on western waters or riding the Orient Express, he embraced life. He leaves remarkable memories for daughters Jenifer (Evan Hamilton) and Cathy (Greg Henzie) and daughter-in-law Tina, wife of his beloved late son Greg. His adored granddaughters are Erin and Robin Schwindt. He is also survived by sisters Anne and Darlene and brother Dennis. His brother Walter preceded him in death. His dog Lou has a kind new master but will miss her old one.
A visitation and celebration was held December 14 in Columbus, GA. He wished his ashes to be scattered in the North Pacific. A celebration will be held in Bellingham in the New Year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Schwindt
Charles Boyd
June 19, 2024
Many hours of councel led to my piece of mind. A great doc and a friend. Sincerely Chuck Boyd
Walter Alemany
June 28, 2013
So sad to find out today (6/28/2013) that Dr Schwindt, the Doctor of Doctors, went to be with our Lord.
Like many others have expressed in this book, he was a true gentlemen that radiated knowledge, wisdom, and with a huge caring heart.
Not only an excellent physician, but a leader as well - Dr Schwindt's professionalism and true caring was also exhibited by his staff and office personnel.
"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."-1 Thessalonians 4
January 9, 2013
everyone loved Dr.Schwindt. he was the best Dr. I ever had. He sure had a big heart and loved his patients. He will be missed. God called a great person and excellet doctor home.
Roy & Wendy Davis
January 4, 2013
My husband was a patient of Dr. Schwindt's for 18 years. My husband became sick on December 23, 1994 and we were told at the emergency room he had to see a cardiologist immediately. After many calls by the ER staff in Thomaston and many rejections due to the holidays this wonderful man working the holiday shift at St. Francis said bring him to me. He took excellent care of my husband all of these years and I do not know what we will do without him. He was a gentle, kind human being and you just don't find doctors like him anymore. You will be missed our dear friend.
Nancy Child-Dunn
December 30, 2012
I just got the news of Dr. Schwindt's passing. Very sad to hear. My father was David Child (died of cancer Feb 2012). He adored the doctor, Jane and the entire staff and so did I. He will be greatly missed.
December 24, 2012
Our hearts are heavy for we have lost a very wise Physician & our friend. Dr Schwindt & his Wisdom has helped us both through some very difficult years. He was our Doctor but also a dear trusted friende didn't just treat our hearts he cared about our whole beeing & his compassion for LIFE was shared. Dr Schwindt was our glue.t He kept us going in this world & we will meet again RIP Dr Schwind you will be missed.....your staff had an awesome teacher & friend.
Larry & Deborah Cooper
James Schmidt
December 21, 2012
A privilege to work with a consummate professional and compleate physician.
Dr Schwindt and his girls..
Dana Weise
December 20, 2012
Rev. Jerry Scansen
Jerry Scansen
December 19, 2012
I will always be greatful for the opportunities that he presented, the education I received, the challenges and successes we experienced, and the life he shared with me as my friend.
Marie Pennington
December 19, 2012
You will be greatly missed by me and my family. Thank you Dr Schwindt for all the care we got from you.
Nancy Bone
December 18, 2012
In loving memory to a wonderful doctor!
I just learned of Dr. Schwindt's passing.
May God be with his family and staff.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy.
December 18, 2012
Dr. Schwindt kept abreast of the latest research on arrythmia and its recommended treatment. He made me feel that I was getting the best recommended therapy, and he always made me feel as though he was not in a hurry to get to the next patient. I will always remember his concern and care as use it as a benchmark for all of my medical treatment. Thanks to his family and staff for supporting him in his practice and research. Paul Singletary.
Ralph Crow
December 16, 2012
So long Dr. Schwindt and Thanks for caring for me. I feel so much better from the treatment and encouragement that I always received from you and your staff. Rest in peace.
Michael & Doris Thornton
December 16, 2012
I am honored and fortunate to have known Dr Schwindt for so long. I became a patient in 1997 and my husband recently became a patient. We are going to miss him so much, there's not a physician quite like him. Not only was I a patient I had the honor of working with him for about 3 years and he taught me so much.
To all of the staff and family we will keep you in our thoughs and prayers.
December 15, 2012
Richard may well be the most unique person I have ever had the privilege to have known. As a doctor, he was brilliant. So many lives were helped by that brilliance. As my friend of 20 years, he was one of a kind. I will so miss our conversations...both silly and serious.The world has lost an amazing person. Travel safely Richard.
with love
Sharrie Cromer
December 15, 2012
Dr. Schwindt gave and gave and gave. He was a giver of great care, knowledge, wit, friendship, love and kindness. We will never know another soul like his. I treasure the years I worked alongside him daily. It was a real honor. Go rest high on that mountain. See you there.
Sharrie Dilleshaw Cromer
We love you Dr. Schwindt
Sharrie Cromer
December 15, 2012
Linda Jeter
December 14, 2012
We have another Angel watching over us. Rest in Peace, Dr. Schwindt. You are missed by many.
JoAnn Stokes
December 14, 2012
We have truly lost an amazing doctor,and friend....He was my Dr. from day one that he arived in Columbus in 1994.... He knew all his patients so well, and truly cared for all of us... No one can ever replace him...I will always love and miss him, and I thank him for all the wonderful care he gave me.. I trusted him completly... God bless his precious staff... They are hurting so much.... They were family... We are all family..... We are all hurting, but he would want us all to carry on, and take care of ourselves... So I say, we'll see you again, Dr. Schwindt......
JoAnn Stokes
December 14, 2012
We have truly lost an amazing doctor,and friend....He was my Dr. from day one that he arived in Columbus in 1994.... He knew all his patients so well, and truly cared for all of us... No one can ever replace him...I will always love and miss him, and I thank him for all the wonderful care he gave me.. I trusted him completly... God bless his precious staff... They are hurting so much.... They were family... We are all family..... We are all hurting, but he would want us all to carry on, and take care of ourselves... So I say, we'll see you again, Dr. Schwindt......
Matt, Andrea, Brendan & Nolan Lydic
December 13, 2012
I feel priveledged to have known Richard, and to have had him as a friend. He was truly one of a kind! Words cannot express how much my family and I will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of the great ladies at his office... including Lou!
Dustie & Maria Ross
December 13, 2012
As a doctor and person you were the best of the best. Our hearts are filled with sadness, you will always be remembered in our hearts. My mother and I will miss you, miss your smile, your laugh and caring ways. Columbus has lost a wonderful, caring, amazing Doctor. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and all that loved him.
Dustie Guttormson & Maria Ross
Linda Bassett
December 13, 2012
I will truly miss Dr. Schwindt, he had taken care of me and my mother for close to 20 years. I feel as if I have lost a dear friend as well as a truly amazing Doctor. I know that his family knew what a wonderful person he was.
I was treated more than just another patient. I considered him to be a friend. It was like losing a member of my family, I will miss his bright smiling eyes and face.
Fran & Andy Britton
December 13, 2012
Dr. Schwindt began taking care of my husband and I 14 years ago. He not only helped my husband with his heart but went out of his way to help me treat my thyroid disease. My husband and I will miss him terribly. He was a caring man and along with his staff they all made our lives better. Rest in peace Dr. Schwindt, we love you.
David Webster
December 12, 2012
Thank you for all the wonderful care and great wisdom. You will be missed.
Harold & Shirley Hines
December 12, 2012
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Hayley Hays
December 12, 2012
Dr Schwindt was an amazing man and doctor. Doctors like him are very rare. He watched over me for 9 years. He was one of a kind. He will be truly missed.
James Antley
December 12, 2012
I will miss Doctor Schwint terribley. He was always there for me with my health problems and always treated me as more than just another patient. I consider him to be a friend also. I ran into him at Walmart right before his passing and he greeted me with a smile and kind words. Our sincere sympathies go to his family, we will all miss him greatly.
Evelyn Willis
December 12, 2012
Dr. Schwindt was truly one of a kind. The two years I was under his care, he gave me the reassurance that my heart was fine. I loved the study findings he would always share during my visits. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace Dr. Schwindt.
Ashley Osborne
December 12, 2012
A lot did not know me, but I was very lucky and thankful to have met Dr. Schwindt 2 years ago and then become a part of his wonderful staff June of this year. He was a wonderful doctor and person. I wish to be as great of a doctor and wise like him in my future, but I, nor anyone else, will ever come as close. I pray for the patients that encountered his caring heart and wish them all the best. As far as the wonderful staff I got to work with, we will all take the things he taught us and put them on display for where ever we go in our lives. Him and Jane taught me more than I've learned in my life up until now. I will forever be grateful for God allowing me to know this great man and his amazing patients.
Welton Underwood
December 11, 2012
A mentor, a "psychologist", a brilliant physician, a friend, a man who treated me like a son in his office, concerned. He was everything Paul spoke about in his admonishment to Titus. The patience of Job, the love of Christ, the same sense of service to others as Mother Teresa. How blessed we all have been to have been a part of his "family."
Mariah Fowler
December 11, 2012
Dr.Schwindt, was a man who cared for his patients and had great compassionate. He will truly be missed. I thank God for placing him in our life.
Curtis & Mariah
Charles Smith
December 11, 2012
Not only a great Doctor, but also a great man, putting his patients first in everything he did. Columbus, Ga. has lost someone who truly can never be replaced
Sherry Hendon
December 11, 2012
Dr. Schwindt was a very smart, kind, and compassionate person. He helped to get my BP under control and reassure me about the condition of my heart. Dr. Schwindt never rushed me and always had time to talk and answer questions. He will be greatly missed.
May God bless his family.
Julia Lewallyn
December 11, 2012
So sorry to hear this news. I work next door and would always chat with him as he was walking Lou at the end of the day. I had wondered where he had been all week. Wow. What a loss for all of you. I didn't know him well, but what a kind soul he seemed to be. My heart goes out to all of you, and hope that you all find the peace that he has surely found. I will smile when I think of him and his friend, Lou. May God's blessings be upon you.
June Watson
December 11, 2012
Truly an amazing,wonderful Doctor,that made you feel more like a friend than a patient. My deepest sympathy to his family and may God comfort the hearts of his staff: Jane,Betsy,Dana,Shelly,Debbie&Stephanie
Mark Winderweedle
December 11, 2012
Dr. Schwindt, was a kind man, even in the brief time I knew him, had become a friend. I did some outside work for him, at his home and his office. God rest his Soul .
John & Caroline Peppers
December 11, 2012
What a blessing we have received over the past years since Dr Schwindt came to Columbus, Ga. Such a compassionate and caring person, not just in the medical field but in everyday life. How we will miss his caring handshake with his eyes focused on the person he was speaking to. That welcome gave a true feeling for others. We are all heavy in heart for his loss but also share the hurt with the fantastic office staff. They can all be called Dr and sure he loved all of them. Rest in Gods arms Dr Schwindt.
Edward Robinson
December 11, 2012
The Best Doctor and friend a person could have. I will miss you My friend. My sympathy to his family and staff!!!
Shelly Letlow
December 11, 2012
I am thankful that I have worked with Dr Schwindt the past 8 years. Not only was he an amazing Physician, he was an amazing person. No matter where life takes us (Dr Schwindt's staff) we will always have the knowledge Dr Schwindt gave us on a daily basis. I am honored and fortunate for the experience. I will always love and miss him dearly.
James and Virginia Benefield
December 11, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 11, 2012
A DEAR AND WONDERFUL PERSON WHO WILL BE TRULY MISSED BY OUR FAMILY.OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.ANNA CAMPANA AND MARION SLAGLE
Travis & Susan Brown
December 11, 2012
We will miss Dr. Schwindt so very much, not only his care as a physician, but his witty humor. He brought Lou to our house for swims in the lake and just enjoyed walking and visiting. He was more like a friend than just your doctor. The world has lost a very special man. Thoughts & prayers to his family.
Tena Tracy
December 11, 2012
A great Doctor and an amazing Friend. He will be missed. Thanks for caring for my husband QUANAH PARKER TRACY. We will miss you, but know we will see you in heaven. Prayer go out to his family and his staff.
Beatrice Batson
December 11, 2012
We have lost a great doctor and a great person, you will be sorely missed by the Batson Faimly...
Ricky Burkes
December 11, 2012
God blees everyone in this family. I truly loved this man.He was a great doctor and a very wise person.I really will miss his great medical advise and his services.
December 11, 2012
I am so honored to have been a part of the CDS family for so long. I loved, admired and respected Dr Schwindt so much and he cared so deeply for his staff and patients. He will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy and there will never be a greater cardiologists. RIP Big Kahuna, and know that our sweet beloved Lou dog will be loved and cared for until her last days. Lou and I will forever miss you!! Dana Weise
jaane Gibbs
December 11, 2012
We will miss our friend and Doctor so much! Jane Gibbs
Gladys and Tami Duke
December 11, 2012
Not only have we lost an incredible physician...we've also lost a very dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Jane, Betsy, Dana, Debbie, and everyone touched by Dr. Scwindt's kindness. He will be dearly missed.
Gladys and Tami Duke
December 11, 2012
Not only have we lost an incredible physician...we've lost a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, Jane, Betsy, Dana, Debbie, Stephanie, and all of those fortunate enough to have been touched by Dr. Schwindt's kindness. He will be deeply missed.
December 11, 2012
Truly an amazing doctor and person, so blessed to have been able to learn so much about life and medicine from him. He leaves a legacy for all to remember. The Humphres Family - Kevin, Erica, Dalton and Cassie.
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