Gary Lee Schmidt

Yreka resident Gary Lee Schmidt passed away on October 8, 2016 at Madrone Hospice in Yreka. He was 82 years old. Gary was born on June 21, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois to Charles and Edna Schmidt. Gary proudly served in the U.S. Navy from January 1954 to September 1957. He was trained in radio communications and was first stationed at Treasure Island in San Francisco. He met Emma “Jane” Holloway at a USO dance in Berkeley and they were married in San Francisco on February 18, 1955. Gary and Jane moved to Barbers Point, Hawaii, where Gary continued his service in the Navy. In 1956 their first daughter, Terri, was born. After Gary’s service ended in 1957 the family moved here and there, and in 1961 their second daughter, Kelly, was born. In 1965 the family settled in Livermore. Gary was a successful sales person in the electronics and computer industry, working for companies such as AC Transit and Motorola. Gary had a stint for a couple of years as a weekend morning DJ at a little Mom and Pop radio station (KYTE-FM) in Livermore. Gary was an extremely intelligent and well-read man. He loved to read and on Sundays he would take Jane and his girls to the library. If he wanted to learn or know about something, he would buy a book. He loved gadgets and he liked to take things apart. He loved a great conversation. Gary was a very private man. He was very generous and quietly helped many people. In 1992, Jane died. Gary missed Jane very much. In 1992, Gary joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He loved the water and was very passionate about the Auxiliary teaching classes and going out on patrol. In 1994, Gary was fortunate enough to find Sylvia, who also had lost her spouse. Together they were able to offer each other the companionship and care that each of them needed. In 1998, Gary and Sylvia relocated from the Bay Area to Yreka. Gary quickly joined the Yreka Elks Lodge #1980. Gary also served a term on the Grand Jury. Gary is survived by his daughter Terri Trevarthen and her husband Dave; his daughter Kelly Hawk; grandchildren Justin Hughes, Dwana and Scott Trevarthen; and his companion of 22 years Sylvia O’Connor, her children, grandchildren and great grandchild. A memorial service will be held at the Yreka Elks Lodge in mid-February, 2017. In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial gifts to Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097, Yreka Elks Lodge #1980, 332 W. Miner Street, Yreka, CA 96097 or Yreka Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1726, Yreka, CA 96097.

Gary Lee Schmidt

June 21, 1934 - October 8, 2016