Robert Cummins Schmalz's Obituary
A Place to Call Home
Robert Cummins Schmalz, Bob, was born March 8, 1947 in Tacoma, Washington to Rex Colin and Mary Fay Schmalz. Bob and his siblings, Terry, Jo Mary, twin brother Richard, Janet, and Rex II, all grew up on the prairie in the home their parents built together. They attended Park Lodge School, Hudtloff Junior High, and Clover Park High School. Bob was surrounded by a loving, extended family comprising several generations of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The family was accustomed to frequent large gatherings at which there was never a shortage of good food and laughter, which Bob enthusiastically enjoyed.
On the Move
Bob’s active nature was established early. He was wiry and athletic… a competitive water skier of wonderful balance and great style. He loved to roam free whether in Lakewood or at the homes of his grandparents: Frank and Mabel Fulton, on the White River in Enumclaw, Washington; and Harry and Ethel Schmalz, of Lakewood and Steamboat Island, Thurston County, Washington. His early desire to be on the move, characterized much of his life. Bob later left Tacoma to serve his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
Four-Legged Friends
Both as a youngster, and in his later years, Bob found companionship in his four-legged friends. He loved animals. In his youth he had a fluffy, gray cat named Willy, a champion mouser. His last years were warmed with the companionship of two loving little dogs, Scooter and Little Bit.
A Free-Wheelin’ Three-Wheeler
Bob had a vagabond spirit, which found a home these past twenty years in the warm, Southern hospitality of South Carolina. He loved his three wheeled motorcycle, which he called his “trike,” riding it up and down the East Coast and just admiring the fact that it belonged to him. Bob made fast friends wherever he went and they looked after each other in a family of compatible souls.
A Journey’s End
After battling cancer, Bob passed away on June 13, 2012 at the home of his close friends, Michelle Cremeans and Leon Herndon in Ladson, South Carolina. His mother, father, and youngest brother, Rex, preceded him Home. No one will ever forget Bob’s big brown eyes and the wonderful smile that was always more of a grin.
Bob is survived by his brothers and sisters: Terry C. Schmalz, Jo Mary Thompson, Richard F. Schmalz, and Janet F. Ackerman; his two children, Robert W. Schmalz, and Heather C. West; Heather's children: Travis W. Schmalz Sr., Tyler T. Brewer, and Nicholas R. Shumski; and one great grandson, Travis W. Schmalz, Jr.
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