Raymond R. Schmidt

The sun rose on Raymond R. Schmidt on April 20, 1926 in Martin, North Dakota. A few years later his parents moved to Harvey. The sun set on Raymond on February 19, 2012 and he is now with his beloved Miyoko.

In 1939 at age 13, Raymond told his parents that he was leaving Harvey to look for a better life and with a one way train ticket to Minot, an old suit case, and a smoking pipe, along with $5.00 he saved working for the Harvey Herald, he left his family and Harvey.

In 1943 at age 17, he returned to Harvey to visit his family and asked his father to sign papers so he could join the Navy. After his discharge from the Navy he went home for a short visit and then headed for California where he lived until age 21. Raymond then decided to rejoin the military for 20 years. He figured that what he could save from his pay and with his retirement pay he would be able to start his own business.

In 1957 he married his love and heart, Miyoko, who was always at his side until her death in 2002 at age 75.

In 1965 they purchased a home in the Northampton area of Hampton, Virginia, where Miyoko lived and waited for Raymond to retire from the military; he retired in 1970. After a few sightseeing trips and getting to know each other again, Raymond started what was to become a successful business and investment career, with Miyoko always at his side with her love and support.

In 1976 Miyoko wanted to get out of the house and take a part time job. Raymond told her she could not take a job, but could start a business of her own and that he would be more than happy to help her get started. A few days later he rented a place in old downtown Hampton, Queens Way, and that was the start of Miyoko's corner gift shops.

By 1980 Miyoko's business grew to the point that Raymond decided she needed his help full time and he closed his business to do so.

One day in May 1985, with Raymond and Miyoko both in their late 50's, Raymond told Miyoko that he was tired. "Let's close the shops and enjoy our lives together." Miyoko asked, "Do you really want to quit?" He said, "Yes," and she then asked, "When?" His reply was one word, "NOW." Miyoko wanted to go to Hawaii and just like that they went out of business.

After removing all their merchandise and equipment from the shops, they were off to Hawaii. For the next 15 years they really enjoyed their lives together and gave back to the Lord and others from their many blessings.

In 2004 Raymond started the Raymond R. and Miyoko Schmidt Living Trust with the Riverside Health Systems Foundation in Newport News, Virginia, for the specific purpose of providing scholarships through the Riverside School of Health Careers, to include but not limited to students attending the Riverside School of Professional Nursing and the Riverside School of Practical Nursing.

Mr. Schmidt leaves to cherish his memories his beloved caregiver, Lashonda Chaney and her two daughters; his beloved special friend, Sue Flansburg; close friend, Iris Edwards; and a host of friends at the Hidenwood Retirement Community, all in Newport News, Virginia.