Luke J. Schmidt

On January 16th, 2022, the world lost a wonderful friend, a loyal partner, and an all-around exceptional human being when Luke John Schmidt left this plane of existence after a brief illness, against which he fought valiantly.

A quintessential Florida native, Luke was born and raised in Miami Springs and spent a great deal of time in at his family’s home in Key Largo, which was perhaps his favorite place in the world. It was there that he developed his lifelong obsession with being in and on the water; Luke was renowned for his spear fishing abilities (tankless, of course), lobstering, crabbing, and expert piloting of whatever vessel he happened to commandeer on any given day. Reliable sources claim that the United States Coast Guard has reduced its local presence in response to his passing.

When he wasn’t busy cruising around Ponce Inlet, Luke could be found in Orlando rooting for his favorite soccer team, or at home watching his beloved Miami Dolphins. A longtime Jaguars season ticket holder, it has been speculated that their most recent season may have been too much for him to bear.

Luke was adored far and wide, by close friends and new acquaintances alike. To him, life was a party, and from the day his skinny legs hit the ground he was determined to be the life of that party. He was a force of nature; sometimes frustrating, frequently wacky, but always absolutely magnetic and endlessly entertaining. It is unlikely the world will ever see another person like him. Like so many of his stories, we will only be able to say that, to understand Luke, you really had to be there.

Luke is no doubt thrilled to be reunited with his parents, Pastor Al and Connie, but he leaves behind scores of people who will have to wake up every morning in a world without him. Among them are his siblings; Mark (Diane), Matthew (Kathleen), and Laura; the Kennovin, Sand, and Downey families, and especially his mother-in-law Gail “Mama G” Sand, and sister-in-law Shannon whose four boys lovingly and accurately called him “Big Luke”. He will be missed most of all, though, by Kim Kennovin, his partner of 19 years, to whom he was everything.

In his honor, let us all remember not to sweat the rough seas or busted propellers life might send our way. A world without him will feel cold, and sad, and boring, but so long as we keep him in our hearts and thoughts it doesn’t need to be so bleak. Luke wouldn’t want to bum us out. A celebration of his life and style will be held at the New Smyrna Beach Boat and Ski Club on Saturday, April 2nd, 2022, from 2-6 PM. We look forward to seeing you there.