Brian K. Schmidt

WATERTOWN- Brian Kirk Schmidt, age 69, born March 2, 1957, in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away peacefully. He was the beloved son of Florence Monroe Schmidt and Henry Gustaff Schmidt.

Brian was the third of four children. He was preceded in birth by his brother Michael Schmidt and Michael’s wife Annette, as well as his sister Elizabeth Bouchard, and was followed by his younger brother Frank Schmidt.

Throughout his life, Brian was known as a hardworking, resourceful, and knowledgeable man who always seemed to have an answer for everything. If you had a question, he had a response. If something needed fixing, he found a way to handle it. Over the years, he worked various jobs, including roofing, construction, and cooking. He was never afraid of hard work and always found a way to stay busy and provide however he could. He would give his shirt off his back for anyone.

Brian was married to Nancy Lee Bailey, who passed away on December 24, 2016. During their marriage, he stepped into the role of father and provider, raising Erica Eells, Tina Hendricks, and Tonia Blackman from a young age as his own. He went out of his way to make sure they had everything they needed and wanted while growing up. Family was important to him. He embraced that responsibility and did what he could to give them a steady foundation. He was also preceded in death by his great-grandson, Jakari Zayne Lamay, son of Jordan, who passed away on October 10, 2023.

Brian had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in snowmobiling, fishing, and hunting. Whether he was in the woods, out on the water, or riding the trails, he felt most at peace surrounded by nature. He also had a special place in his heart for dogs and often said they were a man’s best friend.

Some of his happiest moments were simple ones, sitting back with a cold beer, enjoying the fresh air, and taking in the world around him. He was the kind of man you might find in the back of a pickup truck, laughing, telling stories, and appreciating life for what it was. Brian embraced each day with a free spirit and lived life in a way that was fully his own enjoying the moment and living life to its fullest.

He had a bold personality and a sharp, unexpected sense of humor. Often the life of the party, you never quite knew what he was going to say next but it usually left people laughing. One of his favorite phrases was, “God is great. Beer is good. And people are crazy,” which perfectly reflected his lighthearted and candid outlook on life.

Brian was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His grandchildren include Dae-sha and her husband Oscar Blair, Jordan Lamay, Catie Finley, Austin Lamay, Kevin Finley, Vydalia Lamay, Landon Finley, and Mindy Zeller. Each of them held a special place in his heart, and he valued the unique relationships he shared with all of them. In his later years, he cherished the time spent with his family and took pride in watching his grandchildren grow into the individuals they became. While he loved them all dearly, it was no secret that Dae-sha, his first granddaughter, held a uniquely special place in his heart something everyone knew without needing to say. He shared a particularly close and meaningful bond with her, often telling her how proud he was of the woman she had become. He would say it was always “us against the world”. Words that reflected the loyalty and understanding they shared. Their relationship, like the others he cherished, was built on trust, laughter, shared moments, and a deep father-like connection. In the last years leading up to his time to leave this world, Dae-sha and her husband lovingly stepped into the role of his caretakers. They made sure he was cared for, supported, and never lacked anything. Their devotion during that season of his life meant more to him than words could fully express.

During his final years, he especially treasured and looked forward to the weekends when his great-grandchildren. Kaidence, Layton, Malachi, Kyrinn, Kalture, and Legend would come to spend time with him. He enjoyed watching them pick through his fridge, hearing their laughter, and keeping up with their energy, which made him feel young again. They kept him on his toes, as he would say, and those days brought light and purpose to his final chapter.

Brian will be remembered for his humor, his big heart, his knowledge, and his larger than life personality, as well as the memories he created with those around him. He had a way of facing life head-on, speaking his mind, and still finding something to laugh about. His legacy lives on through the stories shared, the lessons remembered, and the family who carry him in their hearts.

Even though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit lives on in every fishing trip, every snowmobile ride, and every cold beer shared with friends and family. He believed in living in the moment, enjoying life for what it is, and finding peace in the beauty of nature.

He will be missed more than words can ever express, but he will never be forgotten.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home with the Reverand Wayne Arnold, officiating,

Arrangements are in the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, located at 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. For those who wish to leave a condolence in Brian’s memory, please visit www.bezanillafh.com