Ad Astra - Alan Schmitz '57

Alan F. Schmitz      1934 - 2012

Alan Schmitz was the grandson of West Seattle pioneers Ferdinand and Emma Schmitz, and the son of Dietrich and Peggy Schmitz.  Alan was born on 11-25-1934 at Swedish Hospital, and he died in West Seattle on March 9, 2012, of a bone marrow disorder.  Alan was a life long West Seattle resident.

Alan attended Alki Elementary, Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School class of 1953.  Alan graduated from the Univ. of Washington in 1957 and belonged to Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.  Alan achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, Alki Troop 283; he later became a Scoutmaster with Troop 281.  Alan skippered his family's sailboat, the schooner SUVA, for many years.

Alan's career began in banking, investments and small businesses; in his later years, he became an aerobics and fitness instructor for senior citizens at community centers.  Alan was very involved with the West Seattle Rotary for over 30 years, and had been a member of the Seattle Yacht Club and the Rainier Club.

Alan is survived by his daughter, Julie Schmitz and her fiancé Dr. Grant Broker, of Houston, Texas; his son Dietrich Schmitz and wife Mary Howland Schmitz, grandchildren Ilse Schmitz and Gunnar Schmitz of West Seattle; his sister Gloria S. Brinton Davis of West Seattle, many nieces/nephews/cousins, and his former wife Vicki Schmitz Block.

The family is extremely grateful to all of his physicians, nurses and caregivers at the Providence Mt. St. Vincent Center, and to Dr. William Hammond and staff at the Minor & James Medical Clinic.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17th at 4 pm, at the Alki UCC Church, 6115 SW Hinds St., Seattle WA 98116.  

Don Peterson '57:   Alan and I Attended Grade  School, High School and College together.  He was a good guy and will be missed.

Roger Hulbush '56: Alan's father, Deitrich Schmitz was a Sigma Tau Fiji.  Alan's uncle, Dr. Henry Schmitz, was also a Sigma Tau Fiji and was a former President of the University of Washington (estimated late 1940's - to perhaps early 50's??)