In loving memory of

Howard Edward Schmidt
November 19, 1932 - October 28, 2010

Howard Edward Schmidt, age 77, was a former teacher of history, economics, and American Political Systems at Sammamish High School for 34 years. He was always active and curious about everything around him and believed that questions were a very effective way to begin to understand anything in-depth. Howard's greatest love was teaching others about the world and how we interact with each other as individuals. A lifelong student of the Austrian school of economics, and history, Howard strongly believed that individual liberty and free-markets were the key to peace and prosperity in America and the world. In fact, he argued that the proof of this was clearly in the historical record for all to see. The Declaration of Independence phrase "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" truly speaks to his love for our country.


Howard graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, Washington and attended Washington State University, earning a B.A. Degree in Political Science. Later he received a Masters Degree in History from the University of Idaho. In addition, he attended many classes at the University of Washington to supplement his education and teaching in the classroom. He was a lifelong student, in every sense of the word. Howard once said he 'reached over 10,000 students' in the course of his teaching career and beyond, and maintained contact with many of these students throughout his life.


He enjoyed all sports, but especially baseball. Howard formed a team of neighborhood boys while still in grade school. This team was known as the 'Mighty Midgets'; and he was the organizer, the manager and a player as well, and only lost one game during his tenure. He continued on in the sport through high school and American Legion ball, and eventually played with a local semi-pro level Kamiah, Idaho team. As to Major League Baseball, the Seattle Mariners were his favorite team and every year, he made sure to attend at least several games in person with family and friends. Almost every year he predicted they would win the American League West.


He loved entering contests. Howard's favorite win was the naming of the Seattle Supersonics in 1967, with his oldest son, Brent. He was also runner-up in the naming of Seattle's pre-Mariners single season team, the Seattle Pilots. He went on to win dozens of prizes over the years including a car and multiple trips all over America and the world, Howard especially enjoyed contests that allowed for creativity and rewarded research and knowledge.


His curious mind and interest in all subjects was enhanced by world travel. He personally organized and led more than ten overseas trips for students and several youth soccer teams. Howard shared his love of travel and wealth of historical and economic knowledge with family, students and friends alike, greatly enriching their perspectives.


Many students from Japan, both high school and the Bellevue International Business School were hosted at his Bellevue home. These students, and their families became lifetime friends of both Howard and his entire family. He mentored their adjustment and education here in the U.S. and continued to follow their careers abroad.


Howard or "Opa" or "Grampa" as the grandkids called him, wrote letters the old fashioned way. It was not uncommon for him to send over five page handwritten letters to family and friends. Filled with news, words of inspiration, questions, and encouragement, they often included newspaper clippings and photos. For many years up until his passing, he sent each of the grandkids at least one postcard each month.


He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Norma, children; Annaliese Bendezu (Davis), Brent (Sheryl), Braxton, Brandon (Shannon) and eight grandchildren, six boys and two girls.


Arrangements by Cascade Memorial, Bellevue, WA.

Tributes

John wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"Mr. Schmidt was a huge influence in my life as a student in his economics class at Sammamish High School. He presented such a logical explanation of why the free market system is the only long term successful option to a sustainable economy. John graduated 1975"

John wrote on Jul 9, 2018:

"Mr. Schmidt was a huge influence in my life as a student in his economics class at Sammamish High School. He presented such a logical explanation of why the free market system is the only long term successful option to a sustainable economy. John graduated 1975"

Mary Sellers wrote on Apr 5, 2012:

"Howard, Thank you! Thank you for my love of economics and freedom. Thank you for your thoughtful way of provoking thinking for clear purpose. While initially your student almost 40 years ago, I still feel your impact today. Mary "

Paul J Harrison wrote on Nov 20, 2010:

"You will be missed."