Erick Robert Schat

1942 - 2021

BORN

1942

DIED

2021

Erick Schat Obituary

Erick R. Schat came into this world September 12, 1942 he left to meet his maker October 4, 2021.
Our father made Bishop Calif his home for more than 64 years. He loved the Owens Valley and the mountains, so beautiful he would always say. His family emigrated from Utrecht Holland after World War II, Erick enrolled as a sophomore at BUHS speaking very little English. After he graduated, he decided to attend American Institute of Baking in Chicago, living at the YMCA for $1.80 a day. He wanted to learn about large scale production baking. He excelled. He brought his skills back to Bishop to work in the family business with his parents and brother Dan, sister Marion.
With the attitude "never give up" the Schat's built up a thriving bakery; which included a 60,000 sq. foot wholesale plant on Mandich Lane in Bishop selling their products to more than 2,000 markets in greater LA. Pretty sure Erick did not know the word "no" so they forged forward with the help of family, employees and friends to create a truly world renown landmark along the Eastern Sierra 395 corridor. His zest, bigger than life personality attracted many who got to know him from around the world. He would always say "I love the bakery; I want it to be like Disney Land, fun, fun, fun." His eye for merchandising, and his skill set as a world class baker, brought success to the family business, passing through Bishop all have to make a stop and see Erick's Bakkery. Lines out the door, his tag line "no biggy"
He is survived by six children, Paul Schat, Angel Schat, Aaron Schat, Yvette Richards Schat, Erick Schat, Anneke Elliott Schat. Shea Schat his wife of 35 years who was his partner and mother of 5 of his children, who worked harder than anyone to help in the family business. His sister Alida Vanovereen of Laguna Beach Calif., his brother Dan Schat of Hawaii, 22 grandchildren, cousin Piet from Huntsville Canada, numerous cousins from Zeist, and Utrecht Holland, 68 employees who saw him the most working alongside him for 30 plus years, and so many friends and business associates it would take up pages and pages to list their names.
He loved his bakery, and all who helped over the years to make it what it is today. A legacy is what we do during our life that continues on for generations to come. Erick's one of many tag lines "no biggy."
We will miss you and your zest for a truly never boring moment, infectious smile and willing to help people in the community.
I hope they like good bread in heaven.
Amen

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Inyo Register on Oct. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Erick Schat

11 Entries

Sjon Paul Schat

January 13, 2025

He was a great man, always sharing memories, bonds, and his abundance of wisdom. Erick was a great man and he will undoubtedly be missed by all.
One thing that Erick did that I will never forget is that he would look at families that weren't doing the best financially and he would offer a free treat. When people would respond with "You don't have to" Erick would reply "I know the owner " Erick was of course the owner. Erick was often going out of his way to spread positivity and make As many people happy as he could. As Erick's grandchild, my one regret is that I didn't always listen to all of the wise words he had said because, at the time, I was too young to realize that great people like him are rare and don't come very often.

Harry Nelson jr

March 26, 2024

His bakery is second to none it has stood for many years and hopefully will stand for many more years ! My first visit was in 1968 my last visit was in 1971 hopefully nothing will ever change !

cynthia

August 29, 2023

MY condolences to the family. What a legacy to leave behind.

A yearly stop.

Aubrey Moody

March 13, 2022

I was employed by Eric and Dan during my high school years, I have very fond memories of the Schat Family and the fun we had during roll promotions. My condolences go out to the Family. He will be missed. Aubrey Moody

Mary Munoz

February 25, 2022

My family has gone to Bridgeport for over 55 years. We would stop at Schat's Bakery every year. Best Bakery I have ever been to. My condolences go to his family.

Diana Beauregard

February 24, 2022

Farewell my dearest friend. I was always in awe of your ability to creatively think outside the box and produce wonderous things. I will always cherish the memories of riding the bulldozer and drinking wine in Chalfant. We had such fun and you will be greatly missed by all. My heart will always be with you. Love, Diana

Andrea Bradshaw

February 2, 2022

I met Erik at his Bakery and he was a very sweet man. I just went by there today looking for him to say hello and found out about his passing. I'm so happy I got to meet him and God bless his soul!

Mary Munoz

January 6, 2022

My sympathy goes to his family & coworkers. My family started to go camping every summer in Bridgeport, California since 1962 to present. We would stop @ Schat's Bakery every year. I love the cheese breads, chocolate covered macaroon cookies & pastries.

Adriaan Geurtsen

December 22, 2021

It was a sad day when I heard this last week from his ex wife. My sincere condolences to the family he left behind, and to his employees, who will surely miss him. It was heartwarming though to read this thoughtful tribute to his life. Spot on! l hold him dear in my heart, rest easy lieve vriend.

Judy Smith

October 22, 2021

So much to say about Erick; he was a very kind, considerate and giving person to so many; it was a privilege to have worked with and for him in my years at the bakery in Mammoth Lakes, I considered Erick to be more than my employer, he was a dear friend; he, indeed, will be missed! May God grant comfort and peace to all of Erick´s family.

Yvonne DeYoung Reynolds

October 15, 2021

Good bye, Eric.

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