Mark Schmidt died in his home on Vashon on July 21, 2010. Mark was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 12, 1947. He grew up in a close knit family in Minot, North Dakota. Mark served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and, after his military service, moved to the Seattle area. He became a parent in 1968 and was close to his son, Alan, his entire life.

Mark received a BA degree in 1978 from Seattle Pacific University and worked for King County and Seattle City Light in Accounting and Computer Administration. Later he had his own landscaping business. Mark moved to Vashon around 1980 and built his own home here. He was generous, spirited, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved fishing, camping, and building things. He was also active in community theatre and appeared in numerous plays on Vashon over the years.

Mark was preceded in death by both of his parents, Huck and Lorraine Schmidt, and his brother Dennis Schmidt. Mark will be deeply missed by his partner/wife of 28 years, Thea Vernoy of Vashon, his son, Alan Schmidt of Wichita, Kansas, and his sisters: Karen Teagle of Harrison, North Dakota and Kathy Schmidt of Lakeville, Minnesota. His loss is also felt by many friends on the Island and in the Seattle area.

A memorial service will be held at the

Vashon Land Trust building on Saturday, August 28, at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

(paid obituary)