Eberhard A. SCHMIDT

Eberhard Schmidt was humble, quiet, and not afraid of a challenge. He grew up in a war zone, emigrated from East Germany to America when he was 21, graduated from Stanford when he was 24, and spent his career as an economic geologist. He had a good mind and a clear eye for detail. Before he finished his MS and Ph.D. at the University of Arizona, he found the Ladysmith copper and gold deposit in Wisconsin, but he never talked about it. There were always other prospects ahead. He and Susie moved to Spokane in 1971.

He loved being German, so he sang with the Concordia Choir at the German American Society for 45 years. He loved gardening with a passion, so after he retired he volunteered at The Friends of Manito and the Master Gardeners. He didn't mention that he served on their boards, often as president. He simply loved being part of those communities, helping whenever needed. He was kind and calm, kept his own counsel, and judged no one. Everyone was nourished by his smiles.

And he loved music deeply, reveling in the wealth of music pouring forth at the Spokane Symphony, the Spokane String Quartet, and many other organizations. His collection of records, CDs, and tapes runnethed over. He listened to classical music on KPBX, often on his knees with a radio clamped to his side, happily planting and weeding his flowers.

Most of all he loved his family: his wife Susie; his son Justin, daughter-in-law Janean and granddaughter Genevieve; his son Hans and daughter-in-law Ann, and step-grandkids Caitlin (great-grand Haylie), Christina, and Lizzie and husband Jess; his sister Ilsabe Imus and her daughter Diane, and his sister-in-law Sharen Schmidt and granddaughter Emma Herzog.

We are certain that when he crossed to the Other Side he was greeted by his parents, Wilhelm and Maria Schmidt, his niece Cathleen Herzog, and his two wild younger brothers, Volker and Fred.

His beautiful life will be celebrated with music and song on March 11, 1 pm, at the German American Society, 25 West 3rd Avenue.