Today, April 1st, my dad passed away peacefully in his bed surrounded by people who love him. Everything happened so fast the past few days. We are still processing everything so we will write more at a later time. For the time being we want to thank everyone for the kind words and happy thoughts that have been sent our way over the past three or four years. We couldn't have made it this far without the support that we've received.
There will be a funeral service and celebration of his life on Wednesday April 7th beginning at 11:00 AM at the Camano Chapel. Please continue to keep my family in your thoughts as we transition into this stage of our processing. We simply ask for strength for my mom as she continues to fight her own battle with this disease while mourning the loss of her best friend.
With a heavy heart-
Amy
Follow us on our journey...Imagine... No More Cancer? To see where this story began, find us at cancersurvivor2006.blogspot.com
I have been following your family's story for quite some time. I wish you peace and comfort. As the daughter of a cancer survivor my heart breaks for you. Your parent's amazing story of love and friendship has been inspiring. Namaste.
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear of Rick's passing. I have been following your story for years now and I commend all of you on your amazing strength through all of this. The Schmitt family is an amazing family - full of grace and good. Please know that all of you have inspired those of us that have survived cancer and that Rick is now in a better place and out of pain. My heart goes out to all of you during this very difficult time. Jan
ReplyDeleteThere just aren't words to express our sadness as we read the blog this morning. Your entire family has been in our prayers every day for years now...and while we continue to pray for healing for Doreen, we'll be praying for strength and peace and comfort for all of you as your mourn. Karen & Dave Conley
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this news .I have been following your story for many years as well. I met you guys at Bonnie's 60th Birthday and at several of the Gala's.(I'm One of Bonnie's neighbor's)Thinking of and will continue praying for strength and comfort for your family.
ReplyDeleteKarin
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Many postive thoughts headed your way, and continued strength for all of you in this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWe are so saddened by the news of your dad's passing...our hearts and prayers are with all of you, especially your MOM!!
ReplyDelete~ The Cina Family in Oregon
Although I have never met your family, I have been following your journey for almost 2 years. My heart breaks for you today. Through your heartfelt, uplifting and brutally honest writings you have inspired a generation of cancer patients, survivors and loved ones left behind to 'Dream Big'. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWith Love,
TIffany
I am so sad and my heart breaks reading this, this morning. I pray for strength for all of you. Your whole family has been such a inspiration for so many people. My heart and prayers are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteLove Beccy, Scott and Zach
Have been asking the Lord to embrace you all with peace beyond your understanding and a hope that we all can embrace when we loose a loved one. Your family is an example to so many and thank you for all your blogging and we hope your Mom is with you for many years to come. I always loved Ricks quiet, yet strong presence. Many prayers for all of you. Your Dad, and Moms Love, will be missed.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your dad. You are such an inspiring family and my thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteDoreen - I am so very sorry to read this news, although after our talk I knew it was coming. I am sending much love to you and yours across the miles.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Linda
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have been following your story since the Relay for Life Conference in Reno where I got to meet you wonderful girls and hear your mothers story. I wish you all peace and love and you will continue to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteChristie
So very sad to hear. Rick and I had a lot of good times during and after high school. He was a good man! One of the best! I will always appreciate those memories. From my family to yours, our sincere condolences.
ReplyDeleteBarry
my heart goes out to all of you, and continue to pray for strength. your dad was a good man. much love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with all of you!! Your family has been an inspiration to us all and a reason we relay ever since we met you in Reno back in 2007.
ReplyDeleteMay the memories of all you shared help you through this time!
My sympathy to all of you. His legacy is that he left behind wonderful children to carry on.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts are with you all as you go through this journey,Thank You so much for sharing your story with all of us you have inspired us since we 1st heard the story.Take care of each other and enjoy all the precious memories you have. Donna
ReplyDeleteWe are saddened to hear of Rick's passing. He was a wonderful man, and will be missed by many. Tim and I's thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this tough time,but remember he is now watching over all of you with no more pain, in a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteLove always,
Tim and Pam Schmitt
Rick was;
ReplyDeleteFamily.
Community.
Work.
Fun.
Total Package!
Will never be forgotten.
Les Davis
My heart hurts for you all.
ReplyDeleteYou are in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWe send you our love, hold you in our hearts and extend to you our sympathy.
Rose and Larry Goulet
I never really knew Rick and Doreen but I spent my childhood years with Amy and Angie. These are two girls I always admired and was secretly jealous of on occasion because they were all around AWESOME at everything. From reading recent writings, I see that nothing has changed. The Schmitt family is Strength and Love. How did these two parents do it? Rick and Doreen together made a beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteWe are so saddened for your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories give you strength. Our Deepest Sympathy. J & A Carlson
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you all and praying for your comfort. God bless you. I am so very, vey sorry.
ReplyDeleteJane Lenz
Wishing you peace, hope, and comfort in this time of loss. We pray that the future brings nothing to stand in your way of reflection and celebration of the great man that Rick was. While we will be unable to attend the memorial we want you to know that we have been and will continue to keep you in our hearts and thoughts. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe and may he bring comfort to you.
ReplyDeleteErik and Ashley Olson
My prayers are with your family as you mourn the passing of your dad and husband. Words can't express my feelings to you...know that you are all loved and bathed in prayer at this hard time in your life
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I learned of your family when Angie and Amy spoke in Reno a few years ago at the Relay For Life training. I made the ask for Doreen to come and speak out our Relay University in Portland later that year, and she so graciously came down and shared her and Rick's story. Your family has been an inspiration to so many in many ways. A family that takes care of each and loves each other and is positive and happy even in the face of this horrible disease. You have been another one of my reasons to Relay and I pledge to continue fighting with and for Doreen and Rick. My Grandma passed away from Stage 4 lung cancer 6 weeks ago after a 6 month battle. I still cry at the smallest thought or memory. My love and hugs to all of you during this time and the days, weeks and months ahead.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Ricks passing. My familys prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteI've been following your family's story for so many years. I am so very sorry to read that Rick has passed on. It goes without saying that I, as well as so many others, had hoped and prayed that the story would have a happier ending. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWishing and hoping for peace. xoxo
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is an amazing source of strenght and encouragement. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Renee and family
I continue to think about the many games that Rick came to watch my Sophomore year at Stanwood. Him saying "Now Rachael you know that was a stupid foul at half court, right?" I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to be one of Ricks favorite basketball players and so lucky to have been blessed by all of you being in my life in some way! You are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteLove, Rachael
From reading all these comments, you can tell that Angie and Amy's trip to Reno in 07 to talk at the Relay for Life training, it touched MANY lives. Mine is one of them. I went home, looked up the blog, and have been a 'fan' ever since. I have laughed harder at some of the entries, gotten madder at some (when things were not working out right) and have shed many tears. None more then today reading of Rick's passing. My heart aches for the loss this family is going through. My prayers are with each person who has been touched by this family. God bless Rick, Doreen, and their family.
ReplyDeletePrayers with a heavy heart in Oregon,
Karen
I have been following your blog since I heard Doreen speak at Whatcom Relay for Life kick off a few years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your entire family.
ReplyDeleteMy love and thoughts are with the family - you have all been truly inspirational. Rhys.
ReplyDelete