Charles "Chuck" Schmidt

Charles Schmidt passed away on July 25th. He was born in Detroit on August 28, 1943. To those who knew and loved him, he was simply Chuck. 

In 1958, his family moved from Detroit to New Baltimore where he attended the Anchor Bay school system. After high school Chuck worked in the trades for some time having apprenticed under his dad Gus. For a few years he worked in local law enforcement. Eventually, opportunity came knocking and he was hired to open up and manage Macomb County's first Humane Society operation where he learned how to manage a business which served him in his later years. After he left the Humane Society, he worked as a precision welder for some time then found himself working at Frank's Nursery. While at the Nursery, he became the shop's Union Steward. Though he never was a fan of unions, he was able to successfully perform his duties, resolving differences and settling disputes to the satisfaction of both Labor and Management. An on-the-job injury caused him to have to leave Frank's, but his legacy remained. He later moved to Beaver Island where he became the manager of the Island's Transfer Station. During his tenure there, Beaver Island's Transfer Station became a model for efficiency copied by smaller communities not only in Michigan but neighboring states as well. 

Throughout his life he was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing which he did with a great zeal all over the midwest. For a brief period he took up Competition Archery. As with most things he undertook, he was very successful at that. His love of fishing never diminished but he eventually did stop hunting. He then discovered golf. His passion for the game soared and he played whenever and wherever he could for as ong as he could. 

During his lifetime, Chuck was married three times. His second marriage produced his son Jeff. 

Chuck loved children. He was intolerant of bullying or any kind of abuse or neglect, especially of kids. He was a protector by nature but his sometimes-gruff nature made him hard to get to know. As a friend, he would do anything he could to help when asked. You could disagree with him but that didn't mean you weren't still friends. 

Chuck's retirement years were spent living in Charlevoix where he continued playing golf and, for a time, delivered Meals On Wheels. 

He is survived by his son Jeff; His three grandchildren, Francesca, Mason, and Dylan; His brother Stephen, and his sister Claudia.

Chuck's family has chosen to celebrate his life privately.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com