October 19, 1950 – June 15, 2013
Terry J. Schmaltz, 62, of Black Hawk, Colorado passed peacefully into the arms of angels the late evening of June 15, 2013, following a courageous battle with cancer in Denver, CO. Terry lived life to its fullest, blessed with a personality and sense of humor that showered happiness on virtually everyone he encountered. Terry was a joyful and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and maintained friendships for decades with so many people. As her firstborn, his mother recalls that he liked to call himself “Numero Uno” and upon meeting him, one could surmise that this very happy man was close to God. “Stalwart walks in step with God; his path blazed by God, he’s happy. If he stumbles, he’s not down for long; God has a grip on his hand. Psalm 37:23-24 (MSG)
Born on October 19, 1950 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, as a military son, Terry traveled around the country and abroad to Japan, Germany and France spending his middle childhood in Aurora, CO. As a teen he returned to Europe and then back in the states to graduate from high school in Livonia, MI. Terry received his BA at Western Michigan University where he met his future bride, Mary Parrish and attained his Masters at the University of Northern Colorado. After marrying his college sweetheart on August 14, 1976, they returned to Colorado and Terry enjoyed a teaching career spanning almost three decades in the Cherry Creek Denver school system and retired in 2006. Terry was a skilled carpenter and many days, beginning in the late 70’s, one would find Terry improving and enhancing his pride and joy, the solar home he and Mary built in Gilpin County. Additionally, Terry was a dedicated small batch brewer, and an avid outdoorsman, enjoying everything from first tracks down a powder run to hiking, sailing warm waters about the globe, and backpacking, one trip, featuring a 70 mile trek into the San Juan Wilderness. And yes…no matter the task, event, or recreation, Terry would be smiling and laughing all the day.
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