Schmidt, Walter (Brad)
Shortsville, NY
Walter Brad Schmidt, 60, passed away December 25th 2021 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. Brad was born April 29th 1961 in Tacoma, Washington to Walter Vincent Schmidt JR. and Patricia Louise Budnick.
Brad studied engineering at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. His passion for engineering and mechanics was something that he carried with him all his life.
Brad married his soul mate, Jessie, on June 16th, 1984. Surrounded by close family and friends, they celebrated their love in an outdoor ceremony. They had a son, Bradley, and a daughter, April.
Brad was a hard-working and loving man. He always made sure that his family and friends were taken care of, even if it meant giving them the shirt off his back. He was an extremely talented mechanic, machinist and carpenter. Those who knew him will miss him immensely. All are left with memories of generosity, kindness and love.
Brad is survived by his loving wife, Jessie, son, Bradley Schmidt (Rebecca), daughter April Chapman (Randall) as well as 8 grandchildren whom he adored; one great grandson, brother Jim Morgan (Sue), brother Richard Morgan, sister Karen Belcher and stepmother Barbara Schmidt.
Brad was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Budnick, his father Walter Vincent Schmidt Jr, and sister Kim Schmidt.
The family will be holding a celebration of life on Saturday, June 18th 2022 at 2pm at the Mertensia Lodge in Farmington.
I’m so lost. I knew I was a little lost already but now I’m completely lost. The days go by like any other but I don’t feel right. I try to do my best but I also feel so different, so empty. Its a haze that just follows me and consumes me sometimes. Other times no one can even tell anything was wrong.
I had this guiding light in you that I can’t find now. It’s just all dark. There’s a thought in the back of my mind that I think is you, and it tells me that some day I’ll be right again. But today isn’t that day and tomorrow isn’t looking good either.
My love, I keep expecting to see you walk through the door and say “Hey babe, I’m home” or feel you wrap your arms around me. I miss having coffee with you in the morning, hearing your laugh, seeing your smiling face. Every morning as you left for work, you’d look into the door bell camera and tell me you love me and blow a kiss. I found some of those videos and constantly replay them when I miss you the most. What I remember most about you was your easy going demeanor, unwavering support and encouragement for what ever crazy endeavor I tried, your unfaltering love for me and our children and the joy you took in our grandchildren. You always went out of your way to help both friends and stranger, and you loved to be outside. You never shied away from your responsibilities and always thanked God for all the blessings you received. We traveled the country together twice, out ran a tornado, survived an electrical storm on the road outside Chicago, and arrived in Port Angeles with $30 in our pocket. You loved to go camping, have bonfires, and feeding other people as much as I did. You were always there, with a smile on your face. I’m heartbroken you passed on to the next phase without me, but in my heart, I’m glad you are no longer suffering. You used to run circles around family, friends and co workers alike, always active, always moving and it wasn’t fair to have that taken from you. You fought valiantly and still with a smile on your face, even though inside you died a little more each day. My hope is that you are now at peace, with God and those close to you who passed before. Know that I love you, now and forever
Papa Schmidt, I am truly heartbroken. You were one hell of a man and inspired so many. I’ll miss your essence. I’m glad I knew you when I did. I hope you are now resting peacefully.
-Mary Pitman