Edward “eddie” Arnold Schmidt

Ed was born on Vashon, Washington, on April 13, 1934 (Friday the Thirteenth), as half of a set of twins to George and Margaret (Ward) Schmidt. Ed was a lifelong resident of Vashon and he loved his Island. He died on Thursday, October 06, 2016, at the age of 82 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, Washington. Ed attended Vashon Grade School and Vashon High School. In 1953, Ed joined the US Navy and served aboard the USS Black and the USS Owen in Korea during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1957 and served in the Naval Reserve until 1961. Upon Ed’s return to Vashon after his Navy time, he worked as a plumber, sheetrocker, and painter. Then in 1968, he joined Mike Kimmel at the very beginning of the Kimmco Company as a backhoe operator and worked on the backhoe for Mike until his retirement in 1999. Ed thought of Mike as family and was grateful for Mike’s many years of friendship. Ed was very proud of his ability to hit the correct elevations or depths without the help of a transit on his backhoe. On April 16, 1993, Ed married Beth Laur. They shared 20 happy years together and Ed lovingly cared for Beth at home until her death in 2013. He loved to garden and was excited to tell people of his success growing watermelons here on Vashon. Many Islanders remember “Eddie” as a kind hearted guy with a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. Ed was preceded in death by both of his parents; his beloved wife Beth; his twin sister – Esther Calhoun; and two sisters – Miggy Willsie and Myla Garvin. Ed is survived by his sister, Elsa Mae Williams of Vashon; his brother, George Schmidt of Seattle; many nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews; as well as Beth’s children and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Camp Burton Lodge on November 19, 2016, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, Ed’s family asks that you donate to the Vashon Food Bank PO Box 1205, Vashon, WA 98070.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com