Dr. Terry Lane Schmidt DrHA joined his journey to the Lord after a brief illness on June 30, 2019. He went peacefully and was surrounded by loving family.
No funeral services will be held as that was Terry's wish. His family welcomes all those who wish to honor his life with your stories, memories, and photos.
OBITUARY
Dr. Terry L. Schmidt DrHA, 75, passed away on June 30, 2019 with family by his side in Irvine, California.Terry will forever be remembered for his big smile, curious, and vibrant nature. Terry was born November 28, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Leroy and Eunice Schmidt. He received his Bachelors in Business from Bowling Green University, an M.B.A. from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from... see moreDr. Terry L. Schmidt DrHA, 75, passed away on June 30, 2019 with family by his side in Irvine, California.
Terry will forever be remembered for his big smile, curious, and vibrant nature.
Terry was born November 28, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Leroy and Eunice Schmidt. He received his Bachelors in Business from Bowling Green University, an M.B.A. from The George Washington University, and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. He spent a part of his career as a lobbyist for the American Medical Association and also founded a healthcare administration consulting company. The latter part of Terry's career was spent teaching public health at the University of California, Irvine. His areas of particular interest included Public Health Policy, Law, and Administration.
Terry was an avid traveler. His zest for travel began as a youth when he explored U.S. National Parks with his family. As a father, he took his children on international adventures ranging from London to Russia to Japan.
Over the past few years, he ventured regularly to Europe and Southeast Asia, with his love, Carol Chen.
I wanted to express my gratitude to Scott Lent & Dr. Badin for putting together such a nice, warm tribute. Friends, families, colleagues, and students felt unsettled without having the space to share their remembrances of Terry. Many came from far... moreI wanted to express my gratitude to Scott Lent & Dr. Badin for putting together such a nice, warm tribute. Friends, families, colleagues, and students felt unsettled without having the space to share their remembrances of Terry. Many came from far and near! Especially Dr. Ralph Shealy, Terry's dear friend of 30 years, as he traveled from Charleston, SC to join us. Stories of how Terry had such an impact on the lives of many was so moving and the room was filled with much love! He will be forever remembered in our hearts! less
I have struggled for weeks as to what to write about someone who was one of my very best male friends for many years. Terry never focused on himself but always on getting to know others and to sincerely showed he was interested and cared about you.... moreI have struggled for weeks as to what to write about someone who was one of my very best male friends for many years. Terry never focused on himself but always on getting to know others and to sincerely showed he was interested and cared about you. When Terry called me to tell me about his cancer the first time - I had just lost my own mom and had NO idea that in just a few short months my own daughter would be diagnosed with terminal cancer. I don't know what I would have done without Terry during the year I cared for my daughter out of state. He never focused on his own situation - but stayed in touch that year with me and was such an encouragement. He had so much knowledge after his own treatment and called me weekly to not only check on my daughter - but to check on me knowing the challenges of being sole caregiver. Terry was the very definition of the word “gentleman “ - he truly was in every way. We had so many fun dinners out, deep and intellectual conversations and debates, outings to the ballet and the theater, and many, many dances over the years - always with that big Terry smile on his face! When I was in a horrific car accident in 2010 - Terry "braved" driving me all over So Cal to test drive cars and helped me buy the one I still drive today - always with that smile even though I terrorized him with my fearful driving! I have so many fun and sweet memories of Terry, and I sorely and sadly miss him. Keep a spot on Heaven's huge dance floor for me Terry - I know you will have a long line of ladies - and know you are already missed here. To Carol Chen and family - there are no words that adequately suffice here that I can say to take away the shock and pain of your loss, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength through the grief journey. Terry will never be forgotten... less
If I could sum up Dr. Terry Schmidt in one phrase it would be “A life well lived.” Dr. Schmidt was a gifted leader and sought to form leaders out of his students. He had a purpose behind why he did what he did. At times I could perceive an intuition... moreIf I could sum up Dr. Terry Schmidt in one phrase it would be “A life well lived.” Dr. Schmidt was a gifted leader and sought to form leaders out of his students. He had a purpose behind why he did what he did. At times I could perceive an intuition on his behalf in identifying talents in myself and others and pushing us towards developing those talents. He often did this in real-time and over time through ongoing mentorship.
Above all of Dr. Schmidt’s wonderful accomplishments, was that he had a devoted heart to God. His unshakable faith propelled him to take risks, give unselfishly and seek to answer to a higher standard. I will always remember the example he set before me on how to be a Christian professional in academia and in industry. Dr. Schmidt valued people and relationships rather than climbing the ladder of success. He not only taught management in healthcare but lessons in integrity I will never forget. He practiced what he preached. I found a kindred spirit in Dr. Schmidt when discussing real-life management principles. When I would want to push for rapid change, he would kindly like a father tell me something like, "You finish an elephant piece by piece" and would slow me down when I wanted to take on the entire elephant.
Dr. Schmidt met me when I was on a fork in the road of my career. Because of the nature of the multidisciplinary work I dreamed to work on, I struggled finding a niche where I would fit in. Through working together with Dr. Terry Schmidt on my mission, vision and values, for the first time in my life my passions and talents made sense and I was reaffirmed by Dr. Terry Schmidt. Sadly, now Dr. Terry Schmidt joins a group of supporters I have in heaven including friends and relatives that believed in my dreams but never got to see them materialize because of their shortened time on earth. Someday when I accomplish everything, we talked about I will remember Dr. Terry Schmidt and how he was the first person to believe me. I could go on and on for how Dr. Terry Schmidt has impacted my life but I hope my life’s work can be enough testament to the impact he had on me and for the benefit of many others. Rest in peace Dr. Terry Schmidt, your impact will be forever remembered and your memory honored. less
This is one of many drafts I’ve made in memory of Dr. Schmidt. I feel that no amount of words could accurately portray his radiant personality unless you had the pleasure of meeting him yourself. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Schmidt during my... moreThis is one of many drafts I’ve made in memory of Dr. Schmidt. I feel that no amount of words could accurately portray his radiant personality unless you had the pleasure of meeting him yourself. I was fortunate to meet Dr. Schmidt during my undergraduate at UCI, and later on joining his research team. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity as Dr. Schmidt became a mentor to me and helped shaped my academic and professional career. Dr. Schmidt brought me on board to many exciting and challenging projects. I was truly humbled that he believed in all of us and gave independence to do our projects, while also lending support when needed.
One memory that comes to mind was a visit Dr. Schmidt and I made to UCR to meet with deans from the public health and school of medicine there. When discussing new projects with them, they called Dr. Schmidt a bullet train, always ready to take off on new ideas and moving faster than anybody else could keep up. It was evident to see that Dr. Schmidt was beyond passionate about his job/life and loved every moment of it. On top of it all, it was clear to see that Dr. Schmidt truly cared about his students. Even after graduation, he would still take time to meet with me and help guide me on my life goals. He showed me that one should never settle on their ambitions, and encouraged me to always aim higher.
Thank you for your guidance and support Dr. Schmidt, and I am glad I had the chance to meet you. Although I am devastated that you won’t be able to see the profound effects you’ve had on my life, I hope to always make you proud. less
Dr. Schmidt was one of my favorite professors at UCI as he was truly an honorable professor, who was always enthusiastic about public health, global affairs, and strong networking. Upon meeting him for the first time in his public health law course, I... moreDr. Schmidt was one of my favorite professors at UCI as he was truly an honorable professor, who was always enthusiastic about public health, global affairs, and strong networking. Upon meeting him for the first time in his public health law course, I was very intimidated by his directness. He was a very-straight-to-the-point man and asked what I wanted to do with my life, to which I did not have an answer. Hence, he asked me to join his research team so he could help me explore the different career options through his connections with universities around the world. One year of being under his wing, I have overcome numerous challenges that he prepared for me, and ultimately, I feel more empowered with my future and have actually become more straightforward with everything that I do, somewhat taking after Dr. Schmidt. During my last meeting with him at the end of the 2018 - 2019 school year, he gave me one final challenge of improving my emotional intelligence, a legacy that he strongly believes that every individual should have. I plan to not only strengthen my own emotional intelligence but to share his legacy with many friends, peers, and family.
Thank you so much, Dr. Schmidt, for being my mentor and taking me under your wing. Working on numerous projects with you, I am truly inspired by your motivation and dedication to building curriculums that are to be taught on an international level. Your compassion for every individual, your professionalism when in meetings with multiple deans, your humor and a big smile, and your code of chivalry...I miss will you, Dr. Schmidt. You have sincerely played a large role in my college career and life choices and will forever be a part of my life. less
I am so so incredibly sad to hear of Dr. Schmidt's passing. Dr. Schmidt was my favorite professor at UCI and truly an incredible human being. He helped me tremendously and was a huge part of my growth as a student. When I was going through a crisis and... moreI am so so incredibly sad to hear of Dr. Schmidt's passing. Dr. Schmidt was my favorite professor at UCI and truly an incredible human being. He helped me tremendously and was a huge part of my growth as a student. When I was going through a crisis and desperately needed units in order to not lose my financial aid, Dr. Schmidt was kind enough to let me join his research team (without even knowing me) in order to help me out in getting the units I needed. Being a part of his research team, I came to know Dr. Schmidt as a passionate, energetic, and caring teacher. He cared about his students and made an effort to get to know all of us. He did everything he could to help us succeed. I learned so much from him and gained so much valuable experience from being his research student. He was not only a mentor but a friend to me. Before I graduated, I gave Dr. Schmidt a succulent (my favorite plant) as a thank you for his kindness and for helping me so much throughout the year that I have known him. In return, the last thing that Dr. Schmidt told me was to "Pass it on."
Dr. Schmidt, I will always remember your compassion and guidance. Your passion for education, public health, and for life itself will continue to always inspire me. less
As an international student, I'm so glad to have a class with Professor Schmidt. His class is different from the traditional style which encourages students to participate more instead of only listen to lectures from instructors. I'm a person who is... moreAs an international student, I'm so glad to have a class with Professor Schmidt. His class is different from the traditional style which encourages students to participate more instead of only listen to lectures from instructors. I'm a person who is always shy in group work, but Professor Schmidt's encouragement helps me to be confident to organize my group and presentation.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Professor Schmidt's passing, this is a huge loss for both his family and our public health program. Thanks for being such a wonderful instructor for me, Professor Schmidt. less
I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Schmidt's passing. I feel so fortunate to have met him during my time at UCI. His classes were some of my favorites. I would not have considered graduate public health studies if it were not for his encouragement and... moreI am so saddened to hear about Dr. Schmidt's passing. I feel so fortunate to have met him during my time at UCI. His classes were some of my favorites. I would not have considered graduate public health studies if it were not for his encouragement and support. His energetic spirit and quick wit will be missed dearly. Condolences to his family. less
I first met Terry at an professional meeting 5 years ago. Terry is such a great Professor and Mentor. I would like to thanks Terry's tremendous contributions to public health and health administration education. I will miss his big smile.
Dr. Schmidt was an outstanding educator who I respect very much. We worked closely together at UC Irvine brainstorming new teaching ideas and developing online courses. He always had many great ideas in his mind, and he looked for all possible resources... moreDr. Schmidt was an outstanding educator who I respect very much. We worked closely together at UC Irvine brainstorming new teaching ideas and developing online courses. He always had many great ideas in his mind, and he looked for all possible resources to help him accomplish the goals. He was also kind, funny, and generous to others. He presented many excellent teaching ideas at the Faculty Innovation Showcase Luncheon during UCI's 2019 Teach week. The recording will always remind us what a creative educator Terry was. He is truly missed. less
Terry presented at the Faculty Innovation Showcase Luncheon during UCI's 2019 Teach week. I am glad that we had it recorded to remind us what a great professor he was (starting at 00:53:20).
By combining the effective use of technology with sound instructional practices, digital learning can enrich students’ learning experience and improve learning outcomes. Join our expert panel of instructors as they discuss how they integrated digital tool...
Jan TambleThis was amazing to listen to Megan - thank you for sharing it with all of us who did not get to be with Terry in the classroom - this is amazing to listen to - what an innovative and creative teacher - I regret not taking him up on joining him in his... moreThis was amazing to listen to Megan - thank you for sharing it with all of us who did not get to be with Terry in the classroom - this is amazing to listen to - what an innovative and creative teacher - I regret not taking him up on joining him in his classroom when I was invited (I had to work myself) - and see I really missed out!
So terribly sad to hear that my good friend, Terry Schmidt, an amazing professor and incredible human being, passed away. In addition to his work as a professor of public health, policy, and law, Terry was a great mentor to me and many others.
I... moreSo terribly sad to hear that my good friend, Terry Schmidt, an amazing professor and incredible human being, passed away. In addition to his work as a professor of public health, policy, and law, Terry was a great mentor to me and many others.
I vividly remember the first time I met Terry at a San Diego Organization of Healthcare Leaders (SOHL) meeting at at Palomar Medical Center many years ago. We became engaged in a lively conversation about my career path which culminated in him asking me if I ever thought about teaching and if I could train others to follow the path I did. I had never thought about it before but Terry’s motivation got me working on it. Within a few months I had created the Strategic Career Planning: A 10-Step Guide to Realizing Your Potential program. I have presented that program to well over 2,000 students since then and have helped many people in their career development. None of that would have been possible without Terry.
Terry was also the person who gave me my first crack at teaching when I would guest lecture in his classes at UC Irvine, UCLA, UCSD, and National University. I can’t begin to describe how profoundly Terry impacted my life.
Rest In Peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed. less
I'm an international student who comes from China, and I became a researcher of Dr.Schmidt's "Global Health" team in my sophomore year. During the past two years, Dr.Schmidt always guided me and supported me (Carol as well); I couldn't get any... moreI'm an international student who comes from China, and I became a researcher of Dr.Schmidt's "Global Health" team in my sophomore year. During the past two years, Dr.Schmidt always guided me and supported me (Carol as well); I couldn't get any achievements without his help!!
I felt so sad and shocked when I heard the message that Dr.Schmidt passed away. This is so sudden to me and I realized I cannot share any excited news to him anymore...
Thank you Dr.Schmidt for being my supportive teacher and great friend. less
I've been struggling to write this as Dr. Schmidt was without question the person to have the most significant impact on my life at UC Irvine. From my time as his student to working with him, he always had a way of getting things he needed to be done... moreI've been struggling to write this as Dr. Schmidt was without question the person to have the most significant impact on my life at UC Irvine. From my time as his student to working with him, he always had a way of getting things he needed to be done accomplished but not in the conventional form. Schmidt is the reason I started looking at other options besides the typical hospital route for academics when I graduated. He made learning about public health fun and exciting because he just got straight to the essential topics but at the same time not by conventional means. The same energy he used to call people out with his catch box would be what I would use to keep groups engaged in projects but also in life. He is so important to me and I am still struggling with this whole thing. I haven't made it to where I wanna be, and I am sad that I won't be able to share my growth with him. He was always so supportive of anything I did, and so I was excited to show him when I made it, but I know he is still here in my heart and now he's passed the gauntlet to me to do the same for the next generation. I will miss you, Dr. Schmidt. Enjoy Paradise and rest easy. less
I found Terry to be very intelligent, inquisitive, charming and caring. This observation was from the interaction with his love Carol and how he made her so happy. I’ve known Carol for many years as she’s my neighbor and dear friend. As their... moreI found Terry to be very intelligent, inquisitive, charming and caring. This observation was from the interaction with his love Carol and how he made her so happy. I’ve known Carol for many years as she’s my neighbor and dear friend. As their relationship grew and got closer it was enjoyable to see how they “danced” together. They seemed to just “dance” intellectually, with deep conversations, emotionally and they even danced the two-step. I’m fortunate that Terry was at several parties/barbecues at my home. He would always make it a point to let me know how much he was enjoying himself and would rave about the food. Gosh he made me feel like a “Top Chef!”. My last fond memory of Terry was when he spent Thanksgiving dinner with my family. I wish we had more holidays together. We will miss you Terry. Your spirit will always live in our hearts. God bless you.
Terry was always a pleasure to be around and brought a positive outlook to any situation. How can we help but smile when faced with his infectious smile? I am happy we continued to be friends after my departure from UCI, where you made so much positive... moreTerry was always a pleasure to be around and brought a positive outlook to any situation. How can we help but smile when faced with his infectious smile? I am happy we continued to be friends after my departure from UCI, where you made so much positive change. You had the stamina to attend every event to support your students, much to be admired. He and Carol are two people who always made a point to stay in touch and celebrate despite the distance, that is the marking of a true friend! Terry, your energy will be missed by faculty, staff, and the students who you mentored over the years, but your impact on developing the next generation of public health and global health professional will live on and continue to create big change. The way you taught leadership cannot be replicated and I enjoyed meeting all of your students who will pass on your teachings to the next generation. I miss you less
It is not a coincidence that I share my last name with Terry as we were husband and wife for 12 years.I entered our marriage with 4 teenage daughters which required a lot of love, patience, and support where Terry rose to the occasion with his... moreIt is not a coincidence that I share my last name with Terry as we were husband and wife for 12 years.I entered our marriage with 4 teenage daughters which required a lot of love, patience, and support where Terry rose to the occasion with his continuous guidance and encouragement. His young children were 6 and 4 at the time which presented a major challenge for me in raising another family, but it was a privilege for me to mold them into young adults.
Thank you Terry for your positive guidance, good humor, constant quest for learning as well as your sense of adventure and love of travel. I send my prayers to his family and friends. less
Terry was a very powerful influence in my life, as my stepfather, for over a decade. He guided me through my toughest teenage years, and I am certain that I achieved my childhood dream of becoming a physician because of his dedication and unwavering... moreTerry was a very powerful influence in my life, as my stepfather, for over a decade. He guided me through my toughest teenage years, and I am certain that I achieved my childhood dream of becoming a physician because of his dedication and unwavering support. Even after he moved to the West Coast, and was no longer in that role, Terry went out of his way to keep in touch and continued to be one of my greatest supporters! Thank you, Terry, for your love and standards. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. less
I had the great pleasure to be a student of Dr. Schmidt at UC Irvine. I had been inspired by him from the very first class I had with him, which led to a great friendship. He was more than a professor, he was a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend. Even... moreI had the great pleasure to be a student of Dr. Schmidt at UC Irvine. I had been inspired by him from the very first class I had with him, which led to a great friendship. He was more than a professor, he was a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend. Even after I was no longer a student, he would keep in touch and he would invite me as a guest speaker in many of his classes. He has guided me through some great moments of my life and I am forever grateful to him. He will always be remembered in my heart. Thank you Dr. Schmidt. less
Terry was very intelligent, kind,and positive person. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know and socialize with him and Carol.Terry possessed a keen insight into a whole host of varied things from Science to philosophy. He was a fun likable... moreTerry was very intelligent, kind,and positive person. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know and socialize with him and Carol.Terry possessed a keen insight into a whole host of varied things from Science to philosophy. He was a fun likable person and I will greatly miss him. less
I had the great pleasure of interacting with Terry during his time at the Merage School (U of CA, Irvine). He was one of the most delightful people I have ever met. He did an incredible job exciting and encouraging students. I will miss him.
Phil Bromiley
It’s hard for me to say goodbye in such a short amount of time!
Coping with the loss of my love and best friend has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Terry and I often discussed, and agreed that the time we enjoyed together had been the... moreIt’s hard for me to say goodbye in such a short amount of time!
Coping with the loss of my love and best friend has been the biggest challenge I have ever faced. Terry and I often discussed, and agreed that the time we enjoyed together had been the best time in both of our lives! Together we shared a passion for travel. Our footprints started from Terry’s favorite cities such as Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New York, and then internationally to Europe then Asia. Together, we overcame many challenges and by Terry’s side, I felt nothing was impossible.
The fond memories we shared and cultivated is my biggest treasure, I will forever keep close to my heart! Terry would often tell me that at the very end of everything, he would like to say, “thank you God, what a ride! Life is a journey, and it should be adventurous!”
I’m eternally grateful for God’s greatest blessing to me.