Raymond D. Schmidt

- Ray Schmidt, born Sept. 12th 1928, passed away at home, Sunday May 17th at the age of 86 after losing his battle with cancer.
Ray was born in Great Falls MT. to Joseph and Opal Schmidt, the third of four children. During his childhood his family moved to Wolf Point where many adventures were encountered living in that area. In the late 1930's, Ray and his family moved to Lewiston ID. Ray enjoyed living in the Lewiston Orchards where he was proud of the crops that they raised and especially hitching up the draft horses that no one else could control.
After completing his education in Lewiston ID, Ray joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. He proudly served as a Fireman on multiple vessels, spending time in the South China Sea, Tokyo, and multiple ports. His final discharge was on his birthday on September 12th, 1949.
In 1952, Ray met and married the love of his life, Vera May Gaines in Lewiston Id. Together they had two children. Ray had several jobs and business venture's before starting his livelong career in the Pulp and Paper Mill industries working for Potlatch Corp.
In September 1957, Ray transferred to a new job and moved his family to Missoula MT. to help start-up the new Waldorf-Hoerner Pulp and Paper Plant.
His new job entailed, running the first batch of pulp through the new mill at Frenchtown. Ray (Smitty) advanced to the position of shift supervisor during his tenure with many different company's/owners of the Frenchtown Mill. Ray completed his last shift for Champion International Paper Company and retired in January 1986.
Ray and Vera enjoyed their retirement and the new home they had built in Seeley Lake, along with their 'Snow Bird' time in Yuma AZ.
Ray enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, camping, making sure that he had more than enough firewood to keep him and Vera warm on the cold winter nights in Seeley Lake. Especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Teddy and Vernon, daughter by previous marriage Terry Dennington and granddaughter Jennifer Auerbach.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Vera May Schmidt at the family home, sister Jolonda Munson (Doug) Squim WA. his son Daniel Schmidt (Lauri) of Missoula, Cindy Sanguins (Ron) of Frenchtown. Five Grandchildren and fifteen Great Grandchildren have brought him the adoration of being the 1=2=3 Grampa.
Viewing will be from 10:30 AM. - 12:30PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday May 26th followed by a funeral service at Sunset Funeral Home at 1PM.
Reception will follow:
In Lieu of flowers the family requests, memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences for Ray's family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Raymond Schmidt's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.