SCHMIT, M.D., Galen John

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Galen John Schmit, M.D. died on April 24, 2015 in Tucson after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan; his four children, sons Brandon, Joel and Nathan, and daughter Melanie Harrison; his sisters Geraldine Butler and Lillian Moore; his brother Edward II; and his seven grandchildren Ansley, Cole, Hudson, Max, Maela, Mason, with the newest one arriving shortly; along with a large extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Fae Schmit. Born on Oct. 16, 1941 in Staples, Minnesota, Galen moved with his family to Prescott in 1947. He attended St. Joseph's Academy from 1947 to 1959 and then continued his undergraduate education at Loyola Marymount University in California, graduating in 1964. He pursued his medical degree at St. Louis University School of Medicine, graduating in 1968. Galen served as an intern at St. John's Mercy Medical Center, as an emergency room doctor at Christian Hospital NW in St. Louis, followed by a Diagnostic Radiology residency at University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City. After practicing radiology in Helena, Montana, he moved his young family back to Prescott in 1975. He then continued his radiology practice at Yavapai Regional Medical Center, serving his community until his retirement in 2000. Galen had a multitude of interests, from flying, gliding, sailing, camping and gardening to sculpture, oil painting, woodworking, machining, and playing the piano. He was an avid collector of books, antique telephones and carbide cannons. Being a life-long learner, he returned to school after retiring, taking classes in art, science and history. He also enjoyed the warmth, diversity and abundant beauty of the Sonoran desert. His humbleness and wisdom influenced so many and he will be greatly missed. A graveside funeral will be at noon on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Mountain View Cemetery, 1051 Willow Creek Road, Prescott, Arizona. Immediately following the funeral, there will be a reception and celebration of life from 1 to 5 p.m., at Plaza Bonita, 1317 E. Gurley St., Prescott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Yavapai Food Bank, P.O. Box 4151, Prescott, AZ 86302. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Hampton Funeral Home of Prescott. To offer online condolences go to www.hamptonfuneralhome.com. Information provided by survivors.