Kenneth Schmidt Obituary

My life is better from knowing Kenny. I met him in the 50s and cherish many memories of our experiences.

My prays are with all the family at this time of your loss. I met Kenny when I was a teenager in Colo Spgs. He was a good friend and will be missed all--- Buddy Rice

Judy and Family
So sorry for your loss. I met Ken at a faculty party and what a delight he was to be around. My prayers go with you at this time of sorrow.

I was fourteen when I first met Ken. I was an insecure, undersized, and no-talent teen that had decided one summer afternoon to visit a friend, Mike. I had met Mike in “C” squad football the previous Fall and decided to ride my bike from the Westside of Colorado Springs to the Schmidt home just off Fillmore to talk to him. When Mike invited me in, I got to meet Bill, Pat and Ken. They were all lifting weights, but I was amazed with Ken. He was incredibly strong … and dedicated.

It took me a few minutes to realize that Ken had lost his sight a few years prior in a construction accident. He seemed to see without vision. I learned later how he worked hard at finding ways to see with his ears, touch and his imagination. What floored me was that Ken was completely devoid of self-pity, doubt, or apology. He was positive, assured, and quick-witted. He loved challenges, and pushed himself at every level. His will and spirit, was and remains, the among the strongest that I have ever witnessed.

Ken seemed to sense that I was introverted and extremely insecure. He immediately began to include me in all conversation and wrapped me in smiling acceptance. From the start, he spoke words, which gave me a feeling of self-worth and a belief that with a little effort I could achieve great things. Moreover, he made me want to achieve great things. I wanted to be a man of tremendous character.... a man like him.

Over the next four years, I received the great blessing of remaining close to Mike, Ken, Bill and Pat through high school and my first year of college. In high school, it amazed me that after every football game, he knew play-by-play what Mike and I had done. He always had encouraging words for me. He showed genuine interest in my successes and encouragement and suggestions to buoy my shortcomings.

Ken will never know the impact that he has had upon my life. I can only imagine all of the other lives that he has touched and improved throughout his life and career. Those of us so dramatically changed as a result your influence, Ken, will never be able to repay you. But I believe that God challenged you personally, so that you might become the mentor that so many of us of lesser strength so desperately needed in our lives. If I am right, then I pray that He has already said “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Judy, my heart goes out to you and your family.

Mike, I wish that I could protect you from this loss of a dear brother; you are my life-long friend. May your sorrow be deep, but may it last but a brief time. Ken would wish it that way.

Denny Ellison