William Randolph Schmalhorst

1931 - 2023

WILLIAM RANDOLPH SCHMALHORST

May 25, 1931 January 16, 2023

Bakersfield William Randolph Pony Schmalhorst passed away peacefully on Whidbey Island, Washington, on January 16, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 91 years old.

Pony was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, but spent most of his early life in Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota and, following service in the U.S. Army, was awarded both undergraduate and medical degrees from the University. It was at the University of Minnesota that he met the love of his life, Carol, who became his wife of fifty years. Together with Carol, who passed away in 2006, he was the proud father of five children: Gretchen, Karen (Steve), Stephen (Val), Heidi (Carter), and Katie (Israel). Pony was the grandparent of nine grandchildren: Brian, Natalie, Michael, Ryan, William, Andrew, Kathryn, Ella and Jack; and the great grandparent of six: Elizabeth, Erin, Mason, Emma, Maddox, and Carol; all of whom loved him dearly.

Following his graduation from medical school, Pony and Carol moved the expanding family across the country as he continued his studies and began his career in medicine. His studies ultimately lead him to Houston, where he completed a residency in pathology at the Baylor University Medical School. After completing his residency, the family moved to Bakersfield California, where he co-founded Physicians' Automated Laboratory, a reference laboratory that brought valued medical service to much of the southern part of the San Joaquin Valley. A respected source of expertise to colleagues in the medical field, Pony spent his career devoted to advancing the science of medicine and the delivery of state-of- the-art laboratory services to his community.

Pony loved skiing at Mammoth Mountain and was an avid golfer and fisherman. He loved to watch sports, including NASCAR, and was keenly interested in his favorite baseball team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and favorite football team, the University of Washington Huskies. He brought each grandchild on a trip of their own that was an experience that they will treasure forever. He also brought the entire family together on many occasions, including a fishing trip to Saskatchewan that was a highlight of his life.

Once he retired, Pony moved to the home that he and Carol had bought on Whidbey Island in the 1990's. He was new to living in the Northwest but embraced Whidbey and the island lifestyle to the fullest. Looking out from his reading chair at the expanse of the Puget Sound and the mountains beyond was perhaps the source of his most peaceful moments.

While it may be dimmed for now, Pony's light will forever shine brightly through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom have been touched by his great love for them. We will miss him greatly but have been made better by the generous nature of his soul. Special thanks to all that cared for him in the final chapter of his life. God bless you all.

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