Donald Lee Schmidt

Schmidt, Donald Lee Donald L. Schmidt of Denver, 68. died Saturday December 12, 2009 at his home at the age of 68. His passing was sudden, yet peaceful from heart failure. Professor, father, grandfather and husband; he was the most caring and attentive person at each of those, that all around him have known. His passing is shocking and tragic; however he would have wanted to go quickly and peacefully, as was the case. He was born February 24, 1941 in Orville, OH to Nellie and Raymond Schmidt. He was an only child in a hard-working blue collar family that believed in attention to one another and selflessness, foremost. We will miss the strength and family warmth he spread to us from his upbringing. Don, or "Lumpy" as he was referred to by friends and his wife, graduated from Wooster High School in Wooster, OH in 1959. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Spanish from the College of Wooster. Subsequently, he attended graduate school at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS. His love of foreign language and Latin American culture continued for several years where he earned multiple Masters Degrees and a PhD in Spanish and Latin American Literature. Don was fluent in several languages and has authored and translated many books. While in graduate school, he met his best friend and future wife, Margaret. He and Marty were wed on September 3, 1966 in Kansas City, MO. Their union was life-long and steadfast for all to admire and aspire to. Don adored Marty. Their morning debates regarding politics, religion, and the world always set off the day on the right foot. They shared books, movies and cultural endeavors. He was a rock and consummate companion through their 43 year marriage. Don and Marty moved to Denver in 1969, pregnant with their first child Tracy who was born in 1970. He taught Spanish at the University of Denver for 3 years. While working there, his son Matthew was born in 1971. In 1973 he started a long and prestigious career at the University of Colorado in Denver as a Professor of Spanish and Latin American Literature. Teaching, translating and helping students were second nature and passions that enveloped him creating adoration by his students that was well known. He retired from UCD in 2007, surrounded and celebrated by his colleagues and former students. Don was an avid outdoorsman. He worked out daily and a long mountain bike ride, climbing a "Fourteener" or a day on the ski slopes were ventures he cherished frequently. Every Saturday in the fall was spent on the football field with good friends at Observatory Park for over 25 years. This passion for fitness was infectious and emulated by many who admired him. We will miss Don more than words can speak to. He is survived by his wife Marty, children Tracy and Matt, daughter-in-law Heather, grandkids Presley, Cole, Macy, and Megan and many extended family members. A memorial service will be held at 11AM on June 12 at Observatory Park. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations to Don's grandkids college funds. Contact Marty Schmidt for information.