Robert (Bob) Mitchell Schmid of Leverett, Massachusetts,t died September 24, 2021 at Linda Manor Extended Care Facility after a long struggle with CIDP and Parkinson’s Disease.  He was born on December 25, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland to Doris and Orville Schmid.  He was a 1966 graduate of Gettysburg College where he majored in History and received his MEd from the University of Massachusetts in 1974.

He is survived by his wife, Georgiana (Bollard) Schmid, his son, Ethan Haines Schmid, and his daughter, Lena Katharine Schmid.  He was predeceased by his infant son, Erik Vanderbrouk Schmid.  He leaves his sister, Kathi Grant of Evanston, Ill. and her family as well as his wife’s extended family. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Linda Manor for their dedicated care over the last eighteen months.

Robert served in the Army during the Vietnam War.  He was deployed in January 1968 and honorably discharged in June 1969.  He was stationed between Quang Tri and Dong Ha, close to the demilitarized zone.  Although he was opposed to the war before he was sent to Vietnam and had an opportunity to postpone his service by attending graduate school, he felt he should not be exempt due to his privilege.  During his service he was exposed to Agent Orange which he believed contributed to his deteriorating neurological diseases.  Like many veterans before and after him, he suffered from PTSD.  Upon his return from Vietnam, he participated in Operation Dewey Canon III, organized by Vietnam Veterans Against the War, during which veterans threw back their medals in opposition to the continueing conflict.  Robert served on the Veteran’s Advisory Board and as a speaker in local high schools for the Veteran’s Education Project.  He was a supporter of Veterans for Peace. He will be remembered by many for his progressive views and anti-war advocacy.

Robert taught history at St. Paul’s School in New Hampshsire and was a counselor at Greenfield High School, Franklin County Technical School, and Brattleboro High School.  In his profession as a counselor he was a strong advocate for students. 

When his children were young, he built them a wooden swing set.  He spent several summers constructing swing sets and play equipment for other families.  In the winters, he built an ice skating rink for his children and to share with family and friends.

This interest was the beginning of an extended career in construction.  After his retirement from Brattleboro High School, he became a licensed contractor.  He particularly enjoyed helping senior citizens and individuals with repairs and accomodations that helped them remain in their homes.

Robert enjoyed biking, vegetable gardening, renovating his home, sports, politics, rock and roll music, and watching M*A*S*H.

Donations in his honor can be made to the Veterans Education Project, P.O. Box 416, 409 Main Street, Amherst, MA 01004 or online to Veterans for Peace. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com