Henry J Schmit's Obituary
Henry J. Schmit left this world for God's kingdom on July 24th 2011, joining his bride of 50 years who preceded him in death.
He was a lifelong resident of Scappoose.
Henry was born in Gresham, Ore. on Oct. 18, 1921 to Jacob and Antonia Schmit. At the age of 2, his family moved to Scappoose where they bought 20 acres off Coal Creek Rd. There they built a 2 bedroom home for all 7 of them to live. Henry grew up during the Depression. He worked hard on his dad's farm and had different jobs to help provide for the family, which prompted him to quit school after the 8th grade.
In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy to serve in WWII. He was a Gunners Mate on a merchant ship. He was then transferred to the freighter S.S. Cape Porpoise in Dec. 1942, heading toward Liverpool, England. While serving in the Navy, he covered many bodies of water, and eventually was assigned to a Destroyer Escort, the U.S.S. Barber DE 161. On the Navy ships, he began cutting hair for the crew to earn extra money. He acquired a respectable reputation from his crew mates and officers as a quick fisted and fast footed boxer. Henry continued his service in the navy until he was discharged in 1945.
He returned home to his parents for Christmas within hours of his brothers who had also returned from war. He referred to this as one of his happiest Christmas's.
In 1946 he built a 2 bedroom home on his parent's property with the use of his father's hand tools. This house on Coal Creek Rd. is still standing and occupied today.
During this time in his life, he met his future bride, Victoria Taraba of Chicago, Illinois on a blind date in Portland. They married on June 25, 1949, after a long distance courtship.
In Scappoose they started their life in his newly built home. Following an accident at work, he enrolled into barbering school and opened his own barbershop in Scappoose. Hank's Barber Shop was the only barber shop in Scappoose for many years. In 1958 they moved their family to their new home off J.P West Rd. During that time he helped establish the first Scappoose Pow Wow festival and also served as a city councilman for 2 terms.
In order to provide for his growing family he began selling real estate. With his honesty and integrity, his word was as solid as a hand shake.
Henry had many interests in his life especially hunting, fishing on the Columbia River, gardening, tending to his livestock, and dancing at social events.
Henry was extremely devoted to his family and faith. He will be missed by many in this community and will forever be in our hearts and our memories. His stories by his children and grandchildren will be remembered and shared for generations to come.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Victoria, and his eldest son Michael.
He leaves behind his brothers William and Albert, his 7 children, Linda from Denver, Co., Laura McCarthy from Scappoose, Marita from Portland, Robert wife: Lori from Troutdale, Natalie Trtek husband: Gary from Scappoose, Ann Andreotti husband: Robert from Scappoose, and LaVonne Lalande husband: Jeff from Scappoose, 17 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson.
Rest in peace our loving father. Give Mom and Mike hugs and kisses as you unite with them in heaven. We will miss you always and forever. Your loving children.
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