At 83 years old, Martin Matthew “Babe” Schmidt passed away on May 10, 2011. He passed in a way that most people only hope for; peacefully, and in the company of his family after enjoying a day at Mount Baker. The legacy of this amazing man will forever endure in our hearts.

Martin was born in rural North Dakota, graduated from the University of North Dakota and then came to the Seattle area in 1947. He was stationed at Fort Lawton and received a World War II Victory Medal.

He met the love of his life Jeanie Del Missier on a blind date. They raised their family while he worked for 29 years at Acme Iron Works, the family business in Seattle.

He retired in 1978, when the family moved to Whidbey Island to enjoy the island way of life.

Dad’s humor, tremendous love, strength of character, humility and sparkling blue eyes will be unimaginably missed by Jeanie, his wife of nearly 59 years; his five daughters; his eight grandchildren and all their spouses; three great-grandchildren; and more than 100 close relatives, and many friends.

Burial will be at Bayview Cemetery during a small private ceremony. Church services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21 at St. Hubert Catholic Church in Langley, with a reception to follow at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club.

Donations can be made in Martin’s name to WAIF Animal Shelter, 20168 SR 20 Coupeville, WA, 98239.