Roy Milton "Milt" Schayes

Roy Milton Schayes, know to all as Milt, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, with his children at his bedside. He was born in Ardmore, OK on July 1, 1937 to Telesfore George & Josephine Schayes (Blumont). Milt grew up in a family run “Tourist Court” named the Blue Bonnet in Brownstown IL, where he had the “perfect childhood,” which he lovingly recounted in his memoirs. Milt was proud of his academic success: he graduated HS when he was 16, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at 19, and finished Medical School in 1960 (University of Illinois) at 23. As luck would have it, he met Sharon Ruth Huthman, a nurse at L.A. County General Hospital while he was a medical school intern. After a blossoming romance, they married on September 29, 1961. While serving in the California Army National Guard, Milt completed his residency in orthopedic surgery, then moved to Covina, CA where he practiced for three years. Milt and Sharon’s daughter, Stephanie Alene, was born in 1967, and in 1968 they relocated to Bellingham, Wa, where their son, Gregory William, was born in 1979. Milt practiced as an Orthopedic Surgeon in Bellingham, WA until the early 90’s doing countless joint replacement surgeries and perfecting the art of plaster casting broken limbs. Milt continued to work through his “retirement” as an independent medical examiner and as a volunteer at Unity Care NW (previously InterFaith). Outside of work Milt enjoyed traveling the globe. From Europe to South America, Turkey to Bhutan, he and Sharon enjoyed learning about different cultures and volunteering their medical skills. He enjoyed exploring Whatcom and Skagit counties’ lunch establishments after walking along Padilla Bay. Milt also enjoyed projects around the garden and was especially proud of his incredible blueberry bushes and espaliered apple trees. Milt loved live music. He recounted stories of the Los Angles jazz scene in the 1960’s, spent countless hours relaxing at the Seattle Symphony, volunteered with the Bellingham Festival of Music, and had a wonderful collection of Jazz and Bossa Nova albums. When his work was done you could often find milt in his top siders napping on the couch under a New Yorker, or sitting on the deck enjoying a glass of wine (or dark Beer) with Sharon, discussing the world around them. Milt is survived by his daughter Stephanie Alene Coon (Roger), his son Gregory William Schayes (Rebecca), his grandchildren Rachael Gaskill (Josh), Haley Davis (River), Josie Schayes, Angus Schayes, and his great grandchildren Hudson Gaskell and Redd Davis. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Hazel Mrazek, and his wife Sharon Schayes. After the passing of his wife, Milt found companionship and solace with his friend Kirsten Oliver, with whom he enjoyed many long walks, adventures near and far, and lots of tender care. His family will miss his late night cheerios, his endless acronyms, improvised blueberry buckets, hearing his stories (again and again), impromptu saxophone solos, take out dinner feasts, sailing together, his incredible vocabulary, his timeless style, his immaculate kitchen, his generosity, his dauntless work ethic, and his laughter. A memorial service will be held for Milt at Saint James Presbyterian Church this summer. Memorial donations may be made to Padilla Bay Foundation, or Unity Care NW. His family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Silverado for their loving care during his last 8 months.

Roy Milton "Milt" Schayes

July 1, 1937 - May 5, 2022