Michael N. Schmid

Sue and family: I graduated from CSU in Civil Engineering with Mike and had the GREAT FORTUNE to have many classes with him my last two years. He allowed me to ride his coat tails through many difficult classes and even allowed me to work with him on our final senior project paper. Mike was truly the nicest, most even tempered person I've ever known. I moved back to Denver after college and lost track of him but knew he was around the Ft. Collins area and wish I would have kept in touch with him. I thank my lucky stars that I was able to share a beer or three with Mike and got to enjoy his laugh and sense of humor. You all were very fortunate to have spent your lives with Mike. What a nice man.

I'm just learning of Mike's death today. Here are just a few of my memories of Mike:

On a Monday morning, after Mike's first KPFF holiday party, which included Casino games, I asked him how he'd fared gambling-wise. He said he lost all his [play] money and confessed he didn't seem to be all that lucky, with cards or dice. I told him I'd lost everything too and even with 50/50 odds, like at the roulette table, forfeited my chips with every spin of the wheel. I told him I'd been diligently looking for a Get Rich Quick scheme and that if things didn't work out for either of us at KPFF, we could go in together to produce and star in various Training Videos, such as How to Lose Money Gambling and How to Pick the Slowest Line at the Grocery Store etc. I loved that he quickly caught my drift and played along; I regret I don't remember now more of the video titles we concocted.

At Halloween, employees' kids came in to the office and went from cube to cube trick-or-treating. Mike was so sweet, funny, and kind to my daughter who, about 5 or 6 at the time, looked up at him and exclaimed, You look like President Bush. He laughed and said to the adults all around, I get THAT a lot.

Over the weekend, I'd taken the company car in for a routine oil change but ended up getting or at least paying for many extra services [understatement]. On Monday morning, I sat down with Mike and explained the whole situation including the He said / I said parts of the story with the guy at Jiffy Lube. I carefully tried to describe how I felt my utterances were interpreted as permissions rather than just as acknowledgements that I merely understood what the guy was suggesting. Mike was visibly relieved, much to my surprise. He responded that a little extra maintenance was probably a good thing and that he was so happy I wasn't telling him I had wrecked the car! It hadn't occurred to me that I'd asked to speak to him about the company car in such a way as to suggest it was really bad news.

When it was time to add a person to the department that included me, Mike was keen to include us in the entire selection process. I want to thank him for that. I'm not sure AT THE TIME that I was aware of how rare it was to involve coworkers, even though to my way of thinking, it makes practical sense for colleagues to participate in selecting who they work with. My strategy was to explain and divulge sort of the Good and the Bad' of the department to each candidate and ask each one identical prepared questions. Mike's strategy was to think about and discuss the skills, experiences, and traits we wanted the person to bring to the job and then fashion situational questions to find out how the candidate thinks, feels, and acts in certain circumstances. Do I need to even say it? Mike's way was so much better, so much more professional, so much more productive and helpful it's stuck with me to this day. Moreover, how he got me to let go of my way and embrace his in this instance stands as a testament to his skill and influence as a leader and a manager.

I'm sorry I wasn't able to thank him personally for all he taught me. I was so lucky to work with and know Mike. My deepest heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends.

Sue, I am sorry that I did not know Mike had passed until today. Cynthia and I have been gone since Sept 5th and just returned. Mike was a very special person and a friend as well as an example of what a leader should be in the engineering community. He will be greatly missed. Gregg & Cynthia Weston

Our deepest condolences to Sue and all the family. Mike certainly left an awesome legacy and will be sorely missed by many. Sending prayers and hugs to you.

Sue, Jeff, and Ryan. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there as you celebrate Mike.
Love always,
Kathy and Don

Praying for you all!! God bless you! Jennifer Baker Tucson, AZ

Today, as you honor Mike's life, So many of us are sending love to each of you. Please know how well loved and respected this wonderful man was in his community and how much he will be missed.

Mike was instrumental in charting a new course as Principal of our consulting engineering firm. Quietly, thoughtfully, and with professionalism beyond reproach, he raised the bar in every respect. I had the pleasure of working for Mike for many years. Mike loved a beer and a good joke; more than that he loved his family and outdoor adventures. I was thrilled for him when retirement offered more scope for these and he reported back with fishing tales and the like. I only wish he could have enjoyed doing that for the many years he deserved. Mel and I are thinking of you Susie, and family.

I had the pleasure of working with Mike in his capacity as a board member and then president of ACEC Oregon. I will always remember his bright smile and twinkling eyes. My heart goes out to his wife Sue and family. Rest in peace, Mike.

Diana and I didn't know Mike for as long as we would have liked, but we enjoyed and cherished the time we did have with both Mike and Sue. Mike was a true friend, the kind you share the good times with as well as the bad times. His smile was as infectious as the twinkle in his eye when he grreted you and I never heard him speak poorly of anyone. He didn't dwell on his misfortune when he was diagnosed with cancer, he just fought it for as long as he could. He was a gentle man that I loved and will miss greatly.

Though I never met Mike's family, I know you all meant the world to him. I had the good fortune to work for several years with Mike on the Sacred Heart RiverBend project in Springfield, and he always demonstrated the utmost in professionalism, humility, good cheer and grace. He was kind to me when it probably wasn't deserved, and picked up others when the chips were down. That project stands as a great testament to Mike's managerial skill, and I'm fortunate to have had the chance to get to know him and work with him. No doubt he touched people across the globe. He will be missed. God bless to Sue, Ryan, Jeff and your families, and please accept my deep condolences.

Dear Sue -I am so very sorry for your loss. Even though we lost touch years ago when you left DWT, I have thought of you often. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sadness.

Mike was the essence of a good guy, and I feel blessed to have known him, and spend time with the entire family. Was, will always be my favorite folks. So sad for Suzie, Jeff and Ryan, and all those who knew and loved Mike.

Dearest Sue and Family, our deepest sympathy, love, and prayers to you. Much love, Charlie and Tom Davis and family

Sue, Jeff, Ryan....words inadequate to express the legacy this man has left. You are truly blessed to have been in the tight family relationship with Mike. May he forever RIP.

Mike and Sue created an amazing home that is filled with love. I look back on my time as a kid sleeping over in their home with so much fondness. Loving, hard working, and engaged in his community; Mike was an amazing man.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

We will forever miss Mike, but we will never forget the life lessons he taught and shared with us. Our deepest sympathy to his wonderful family who are a blessing in our lives. Rest in peace Mike after a journey fought with such courage and determination. God Bless you dear friend.