Richard Bennett Smidt

Richard Smidt, 74, passed away at his home in Bellevue, Washington on March 28, 2016 after courageously battling health issues for many years. He was born on February 23, 1942 in Morton, Washington to parents John and Vivian Smidt.

His unconquerable soul and authentic one-of-a kind personality will be sadly missed by his large extended family and many friends. His death has left a huge gap in all of our lives. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Barbara. Rick is also survived by his three children Mike (Heather), Amy Mora (Stephen) and Doug (Pauline) and seven grandchildren, Ricky (Christina), Chandler, Mario, Milo, Arie, Julian and Henry in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his older brother Doug and is survived by sisters Diane Backschies (Frank) and Sue Clifford (Jim) all of whom he loved and adored. Family was always the most important thing to him.

He was a decorated athlete at Franklin Pierce High School in Parkland, Washington, earning nine letters in football, basketball and track. As a junior and senior he led the Cardinals to the state basketball tournament and played in front of 12,000 spectators at Hec Ed and earned All State honors.

Earning a football scholarship to the University of Washington he started at running back and defensive back for the Frosh team. As a sophomore he traveled with the Varsity, kicking a field goal and two extra points in the Dawgs’ win over UCLA at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. He also played basketball his freshman year. A member of Phi Delta Theta, “Grumpy” served as Rush Chair and President. He was President of the Associated Men Students. During his time at UW he met Barb (who was a cheerleader and member of Kappa Alpha Theta). He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

He had a long and successful career in the securities industry in Seattle starting with Hughbanks & Co. in 1965 as an OTC Trader. He spent 25 years as one of the most ornery, feared and respected traders in the business for firms such as EF Hutton and Bateman, Eichler. He then transitioned to working as a financial advisor and assistant manager for Prudential Securities and retiring from Wells Fargo Advisors in 2011. He developed a lasting bond with many of his clients and created extremely close friendships with many of his co-workers over the years.

Rick maintained a life-long association with the University of Washington. Following graduation he worked as the Offensive Spotter at UW football games for 46 years, first for stadium announcer Wendell Broyles and then for Lou “Hello, Dawg Fans” Gellermann. He and Barb were members of the President’s Club and the Tyee Club and long-time donors. He founded and was president of the Husky Hoop Club as well as President of the Quarterback Club.

An avid golfer, he was an inaugural member of the “Dawn Patrol” - competing annually in Pat Pugh’s PFDIGC. He joyfully related each of his four holes-in-one. The long-time member of Bear Creek served two terms as President of the Advisory Board. He was also a member of Desert Island in Rancho Mirage.

A member of the WAC for 40+ years, he enjoyed many years competing in adult competitive softball and basketball leagues.

An avid sports enthusiast he did not just participate, he became an influential youth coach for years in both baseball and football first coaching CAYA football in 1965 before coaching his children in football, basketball, baseball and softball. His “Bear” teams in both baseball and football won numerous championships.

In recent years he spent his time watching his grandchildren in various sports and mercilessly criticizing any referee or umpire that deigned to make a call that did not favor his team. To no one’s surprise he managed to get kicked out of grandchildren’s games in both Washington and Oregon. But there was no more staunch supporter of his grandchildren and all of their teammates. He was always ready with hitting tips, hoops advice, and words of encouragement for everyone.

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses who were so helpful along the way.

Memorial Service is scheduled for 1:00pm, Monday, April 11, 2016 as Sunset Hills Funeral Home, 1215 145th Pl Se, Bellevue, Washington, 98007. www.sunsethillsfuneralhome.com