John Michael Schmidt

John Michael Schmidt, affectionately known as “Uncle Johnny,” passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 70, surrounded by love and family, just one day shy of his 71st birthday. Now, John rests in the hands of his Heavenly Father. John was born in Sedro Woolley, Washington, on August 5, 1955, alongside his twin sister, Joni Margaret Schmidt (Park), to Lorna Irving and Frederick Schmidt. John attended Marymount Military Academy in middle school, a Catholic boarding school in Tacoma where he served as an altar boy, played the drum, and obtained several medals. He later attended Bellingham High School, and Sehome High School before graduating from Mount Baker High School. A gifted boat restorer, John spent many years working for Uniflite (United Boat Builders), building and restoring boats throughout the United States. Following his career with Uniflite, he worked as a gas station attendant at USA Mini Mart in Sumas. Before retiring, John worked for Turf Tenders, helping create and maintain beautiful landscapes throughout Whatcom County. John was a true salt-of-the-earth person. He appreciated the little things and had a truly unique outlook on life. He was always there at the drop of a hat to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He adored his cats, of which he had many throughout his life, and made sure each one was spoiled with an abundance of toys and treats from his favorite company, Chewy.com. John watched Bob Ross almost every single day and was especially fond of the quote, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy accidents.” As a result, his family became the grateful recipients of John’s many landscape paintings. John looked forward to holidays and “gobbling down the turkey,” while making sure everyone received their annual cans of Planters Peanuts and calendars from Connections Bookstore every Christmas. He also shared countless iconic and hilarious stories with his family, each filled with unexpected twists and turns that they will never forget. John loved lighthouses, the Seahawks, finding winning scratch tickets, salmon dinners at the Deming Log Show, fishing for humpies (pink salmon) with his beloved nephew David, winning stuffed animal prizes at the fair (which he was surprisingly gifted at), and watching movies, to name just a few of his favorite things. He had an amazing sense of humor and a knack for lightening the mood of every room he walked into. His iconic “snicker” laugh, unforgettable stories, and unique perspective on life will be deeply missed. Whenever leaving a gathering, Uncle Johnny would predictably say, “See you at the movies!”, a farewell that became endearingly anticipated by all who loved him. He is survived by his elder brother, Fred Schmidt (wife, Rosemarie); his twin sister, Joni Park, (husband, Ken); and his half-siblings, Doyle Schmidt (wife, Brenda) and Jane Schmidt. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who were some of Uncle Johnny’s biggest fans. Joni and Ken’s children include Kristi Park (daughter, Maria), Katie Brewer (husband, Chris, daughters, Natalie, Noelle and Autumn), David Park (wife, Nora, children, Tyson, Wyatt and Jolene), and Julianne Olson (husband, Nathaniel, daughter, Freya). Fred and Rosemarie’s children include Adrianne Schmidt, Jessica Collier (husband, Rob, children Ivan and Erin), and Freddie Schmidt Jr. (wife, Lily) and Doyle and Brenda’s son, Hayden. John was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Schmidt, and his mother, Lorna Irving, his stepmother Judy Schmidt, and stepsister Candy Schmidt. As Uncle Johnny would say, “See you at the movies!” A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at the “River,” the family campground. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Whatcom Humane Society. When donating, please select “Domestic Animal Care” from the dropdown menu, which directly supports cats and kittens in need throughout Whatcom County.

John Michael Schmidt

August 5, 1955 - August 4, 2026