Ronald Q. "Ron, R.Q." Schmidt

Ronald Q. "Ron, R.Q." Schmidt was born on November 10, 1939 in a farmhouse in Esparto, CA. Shortly thereafter, his parents Verna and John moved to Sonoma where he completed elementary and high school. He was an outstanding baseball player and graduated from Sonoma High School in 1957. Ronald also attended SRJC. After working for a short time at Napa State Hospital he became a correctional officer at San Quentin State Prison, retiring as Sergeant in 1990 after 30 years of service. In his younger life, Ronald was a drag strip racer and never lost his love for cars. He also had an affinity for nature, particularly the Pacific Ocean and the High Sierras. From retirement on he continued to follow his interests of camping, metal detecting, gold mining, fishing, and was an avid SF Giants fan. He was accompanied on these adventures by his wonderful poodle companions, Sam 1, Sam 2, and Sam 3. Ronald spent many happy years in Petaluma with his loving partner, Irma Costa. He, Irma, and the Sams were inseparable companions that loved to adventure together. Ronald was very active in AA, spent many hours as a counselor and was involved with the Marin Alano Club in San Rafael. He was a member of Thousand Trails and spent time at Petaluma Senior Center. Ronald lived in Petaluma for many years and died on May 31, 2013. He will be missed greatly by extended family and friends. His parents preceded him in death. Ronald is survived by Jane Lord, McLean, VA; Howard Ross, Vacaville; Rick Costa and Deborah Ayers, Petaluma; and Janet Silva, Santa Rosa. Friends and family are invited to attend the Visitation on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Mortuary. Reception will follow funeral services. Inurnment: Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma. Contributions may be made to Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901.