2012.02.09
Thursday’s column: Rest in peace, Rick Schmitt
Rick Schmitt, of Salem, dances with Hollins University President Nancy Gray at a Nov. 12 fundraiser for the Salavation Army's Turning Point shelter. About 3 weeks after the event, he was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He died Sunday. | Courtesy McMillan and Wife Photography and Flowers.
Rick Schmitt loved to dance, and to teach others how. And to play soccer, and coach it.
He was a dad to three, a grandad to five, and a deacon at Salem Baptist Church, where he led a men’s fellowship group.
To colleagues in the tower at Roanoke Regional Airport, he was the even-tempered guy you wanted at the helm in a hairy situation.
In short, he was one of those never-cocky people who behind the scenes quietly touched many people’s lives.
Schmitt died at his home on Sunday, from kidney cancer, just two months after it was diagnosed. He was 53, and had lived in the valley since 1995.
I got know him last fall when he and his adoring wife of 30 years, Bonnie Schmitt, spent weeks patiently teaching me how to do the foxtrot for a fundraiser.
Schmitt danced there, too — a perfect waltz with Hollins University President Nancy Gray in a crowded ballroom at the Patrick Henry. Barely three weeks later, he earned he had cancer, in an advanced stage.
READ THE REST OF THIS COLUMN HERE.
A very nice tribute, Dan.
My thoughts go out to his family.
Comment by RightWing — February 9, 2012 @ 8:26 am
Wow Dan that is really sad. He sounds like a great guy and a real loss to the world. My condolences to his family and friends who I am sure are reeling and hurting right now.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 9, 2012 @ 8:34 am
Rick was an amazing person. I am honored to have had Rick as my soccer coach for 4 years – he was the best!
Comment by Patrick Hornby — February 9, 2012 @ 8:49 am
What a very sad loss for the Roanoke Valley and the world as well. Peace and strength to his family.
Comment by 13 Suns — February 9, 2012 @ 9:43 am
His son gave up the chance for an NFL tryout to be a firefighter. How many young men are mature and unselfish enough to take that noble route? Most guys with Nick’s ability would have hung on for years working odd jobs and trying to live ‘the dream” which usually doesn’t materialize. Nic had greater things in mind. That probably has something to do with how he was raised.
Comment by Suzie — February 9, 2012 @ 10:25 am
Should be Nic, not Nick. Sorry
Comment by Suzie — February 9, 2012 @ 10:33 am
Thanks for a beautiful article. Rick and Bonnie were my ballroom dance teachers. He was a great man. To see them dance together was like watching ” LOVE IN MOTION”.
Comment by Gloria — February 9, 2012 @ 11:17 am
Dan, thank you.
Comment by Albert Phillips — February 9, 2012 @ 12:56 pm
Wow, I never knew Rick, yet Dan makes me feel like I should have and I missed out. RIP Rick. You were a success. You made it.
Comment by Cold n P — February 10, 2012 @ 1:19 am
Thanks for the article honoring Rick. So very sad.
C
Comment by Connie Stanley — February 10, 2012 @ 6:49 am
“When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.” ~Unknown
Mission accomplished.
Comment by Sandi Saunders — February 10, 2012 @ 8:11 am