Richard Schmitt

To my good friend and mentor Captain Schmitty, In 2013 I went to the Anchorage School Administration Center to get your address. In 2024 I was in Sedona, Arizona. In both places I said a prayer in your memory. Rest in peace my friend.

I met Captain Schmitt in the summer of 1976. He was an excellent teacher. He was honest, direct, confident and consistent with his students. He also had a great head of hair which was longer than his shoulders. As a young teacher I learned a lot from him. We became good friends. He was in my home many times. We had poker parties and shared many good times together....

As a young teacher at P.R.O.V.E. High School, I did not know it at the time, but Rich Schmitt (Captain Schmitty) was my mentor, role model, and most of all, my friend. We played cards together all the time, and he took my money. My daughter Melissa now lives and works in Anchorage. I came to visit her in July of 2014. So naturally I was hopeful to see my good friend Captain Schmitty. I'm too late; still, I can express these feelings that reflect the time we worked, played, and shared together...

I remember Richard as witty and always ready to tell some story or joke. We both worked at Clark. He was an advocate for kids and eager to help others understand students' needs.
My condolences to Molly and family.
Carol Waters

What a guy! I met Schmitty through my brother Bob and, though I did not know him well, on those occasions when I was in his presence he was just that--a presence. He loomed large and I know how much he will be missed. Peace and condolences to Molly, the Schmitt family, and all Scmitty's friends--you've been robbed!

I will truly miss my friend. He made me better than I am.

I had been hearing about Schmitty since the Chicago days, and occasionally seeing a sketch by Bob so it was a joy to finally meet him in Anchorage in 2004. He was important to my brother so he was important to me. He made his part of the world a better place. What more can one ask for. His loss will be long felt. God Bless.

My thoughts are with Molly and the
Schmitts at the time of this loss.
Knowing Richard was beyond description--he was one of a kind!
I will keep in my memory all of the
wonderful things he did for kids,
his intense friendships, his love for Life, and his laughter. I
wish I could be there for the cele-
bration, but I will lift a glass
in his memory!

I briefly worked with Schmitty but vividly remember him. He reminded me of a gun slinger from the wild west. Always a black leather vest, elbows back in the ready position and a swagger that sent chills up and down the spines of those who dared challenge his authority. And if you weren't intimidated by his grizzled appearance, he would cut you with his sharp wit and leave you wondering what just happened here? Heck, I know of one youngin' that invented a "Schmitty fish" in his honor and...