Michael E. Schmidt

Michael E. Schmidt passed away in Spokane, Washington, on November 16, 2012, surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael was born April 27, 1959 in Moses Lake, Washington to Reuben and Delores Schmidt.

He graduated from Moses Lake High School and lived most of his years here in the Columbia Basin. Michael married Kelley McDowall in 1983 and through this union he was blessed with two daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, the joys of his life.

Michael loved the ocean and was an avid clam digger and fisherman. He spent the majority of his life making people laugh and was especially known for his own "Mikey" vocabulary of strange words and phrases. Michael's life consisted of farming, gardening, canning, taking care of others and loving the lord. He was a beloved father, grandfather, sibling, uncle and a friend to all he met.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved parents Reuben and Delores Schmidt, and one nephew, Thomas Schmidt. Michael is survived by his loving partner Reta Chamberlain, his daughter Emily and son-in-law Jason Christensen, daughter Elizabeth Schmidt, his three siblings, Teresa Schmidt-Sparks and brother-in-law Ron Sparks, Steven Schmidt, Cathy Schmidt-Shaffer and brother-in-law Tracy Shaffer, his beloved granddaughter Grace and another granddaughter who is due in January, his nieces Hayley, Hillary, Stacey and Sabrina, and one nephew Jacob.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 1 at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake, Washington.