Kevin Schmidt

1953 - 2021

Kevin John Schmidt died peacefully on Oct. 9, 2021, in Anchorage, Alaska, two months after suffering a severe stroke. He is survived by his partner Karin Gould, his son Christian Schmidt, and loving canine companions Rama and Rakasha, known by him, simply as, "The BooBoo's." Kevin was cared for by the wonderful staff and doctors at St. Elias Specialty Hospital who worked tirelessly to correct the after-effects of his stroke. They were terrific in all they did, never giving up despite the monumental challenge.
Kevin was born in Bremerton, Washington, to father Donovon and mother Evelyn Schmidt in 1953, the youngest of four children. He had two sisters, Charmaine and Paula, and one brother, Craig. He was raised in Goldendale, Washington, where he found fascination with the thriving logging community. He often reminisced about the sweet smell of the freshly cut logs stacked high on trucks as they drove through town. On more than one occasion, he stowed away on a few trucks, unknown to the drivers inside.
In the early 1960s his family relocated to Fairbanks, Alaska, where his father purchased an optometry practice. His mother Evelyn was a school teacher who continued her career in education for many years to follow. Kevin attended Immaculate Conception School in Fairbanks from the third grade to eighth grade. After graduation he attended Monroe High School where he developed a passion for basketball, transcending quickly from junior varsity to varsity.
After high school, Kevin enjoyed a single year at Seattle University, before relocating back to Alaska to be closer to his family. He attended UAF for the remainder of his college career, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in political science. Although never pursuing a career with his degree, he found employment with the United States Postal Service, where unknown to him, his career would take off.
Kevin started off in mail processing before advancing to manager of field maintenance, where his love for traveling truly blossomed. Destinations included Barrow, Anchorage, Nulato and Kotzebue to name a few. He developed a great reputation with the various locals of these towns and villages; inspecting, modifying, and improving post offices across the state. Although he could have easily continued to advance his career after over 40 years of service, perhaps even acquiring a post master title, he chose instead to retire quietly in Fairbanks in 2011.
Although his body was mostly in Alaska, Kevin's heart was always in Eastern Washington. Hunting pheasants in the farmlands just outside of Pullman was more than just a hobby he enjoyed every October. In his mind, it was a sacred family tradition and blessing from his father. Kevin had been hunting in the Union Flat Creek area of Washington since 1976, his father before him began hunting there just after the war. His son Christian came aboard in 1999, where he will continue to hunt and carry on the legacy despite his fathers' absence. Hunting has been, and always will be, a Schmidt tradition that will last forever.
Kevin also enjoyed fishing for grayling in the Chatanika River, gardening in the summertime, playing golf with his friends from work, movie nights with his son's friends, investing, Sunday brunches with Karin Gould and his son, and riding his bike in the Chena West area. It was not uncommon for him to be seen with his son riding up around Birch lane and Chena Pump. He loved his dogs too; Rama and Rakasha were his extended family he loved like his own children.
Kevin was also a music lover, dating back to his days in Goldendale when he listened to recordings of Big Rock Candy Mountain on an old phonograph. His musical taste would mature with the times, becoming a fan of The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Eric Clapton and The Beatles to name a few. It would continue to expand with the times and his son would reintroduce him to songs that he initially dismissed from the 1980s.
You were always so quiet and reserved but deep down we knew you always cared. Your actions always spoke more than your words, but even then, when you did speak, your advice could only be compared to a sage. So much good came from what you accomplished, but what was most admirable is that you never stopped caring, even after the loss of your daughter Julia. You always made us feel warm, and comforted us when we were most vulnerable. You were the most respectful audience to a shy musician; the world will be more cynical without you. I just wish I could have a drink with you again; but hopefully someday, way in the future. Give Grandpa, Julia, Ann, Evelyn, Balloo, Kahn, Skeen and Storm a hug for us. The last bit of advice you gave me after your stroke always made me feel good, even though it was humorous. You said, "Life always works out in the end, you just need to know how everything works." That advice has never been more important than it is now. I hope we can all see you in our dreams. You will be welcomed with open arms.
A celebration of life service will be held at Chapel of Chimes on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, from 11?a.m. to 3?p.m. for family and friends. Chapel of Chimes is located at 415 Illinois St.
Rather than send flowers, please donate to Pheasants Forever; a charity dedicated to the conservation and preservation of habitat for upland birds, including, but not limited to Pheasants and Quail. Kevin has been a dedicated contributor for over 30 years. His son will continue to contribute on his behalf.