David Charles Schmitz

Labor leader Dave Schmitz couldn't have picked a better day to be born than May Day, also known as International Workers Day (May 1), which celebrates labor and the working class. He dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. Dave started working in a Spokane grocery store at the age of 16. His original college major was business until he took a sociology course that changed his perspective and his life. His commitment to workers' rights led him to a life-long passion of working to support the growth and vital contributions of unions.

After working in the grocery store, Dave worked as an intern for the Washington State Labor Council. His major work at the Council was saving the state's workers' compensation from privatization. He was hired at UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) 1001 as a union rep and then became their sole organizer, followed by becoming Organizing Director and then being promoted to Assistant to the President. Dave became the UFCW 1001 President in 2000 and worked tirelessly the last 15 years of his career advocating for the rights of workers. He was a true working-class hero and was referred to by some as the Labor Movement's "secret weapon." Passionate, fearless, and committed to justice, Dave led one of the most progressive and largest unions in the country and merged 5 local unions into Local 21, which has more than 45,000 members across Washington state working in grocery stores, retail, health care and other industries.

Dave mentored today's leaders of UFCW local 21. He was a founding board member of Jobs with Justice in Washington, which creates campaigns and solidarity efforts to build power for working people and of Puget Sound Sage, a cross sector group of partners shaping economic, environmental and equity issues in the region. He served on many boards, including OneAmerica. His influence extended globally as he represented UFCW in China and Africa and hosted unions from Japan and Denmark in the states.

Dave was a lifelong learner. He was a voracious reader and researcher with a house full of books on history, labor, politics, poetry, art, mysteries, music and comedy.

Dave was not all work and no play. He was fond of saying, "Do you think I work this hard, not to enjoy life?" He loved to garden, travel, drive convertibles, buy watches, eat hors d' oeuvres, crack jokes, and create a beautiful home environment full of art. He was a political junkie, always ready for an energetic conversation on current events. If he hadn't been a union leader, Dave imagined a life as a stand-up comic.

He valued his life-long friendships and multiple work relationships. Dave was known for his generosity towards others and his full out infectious grin.

Dave was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Pam, who was a field representative at the Local for 30 years and shared his passion for the working class. He adored their dog Maddy, who he described as a good dog and "sneaky."

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his partner and wife of 31 years, Pam Blauman-Schmitz, sister Diane Schmitz (Bill Stalder), sister Carolyn Schmitz, brother Alan Schmitz (Susan Schmitz) and nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of Dave's life will be held at a future date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Schmitz family.