Kurt Stephen Schmidt passed away at his home in Lompoc, California on January 13, 2025, at the age of 58 after a year-long battle with appendiceal cancer. He was born to Barbara Pettijohn Schmidt and the late Roderic Wm. Schmidt, Jr in Whittier, CA on September 25th, 1966. The family moved to Lompoc in 1966 and Kurt was a life-long resident. He attended Buena Vista Elementary, Vandenberg Middle School, Cabrillo High School and Allan Hancock College where he achieved his Administration of Justice associate's degree. He began his working career at Atlas Gas in Buellton, until he began his career with the CHP in July of 1994. Upon graduation from the CHP Academy, he was assigned to the Altadena Area where he remained for one year. Kurt transferred to the Santa Barbara Area on August 2, 1995, where he worked until transferring to the Buellton Area on October 1, 2001, where he remained until his retirement. He served the department in various positions, including Area Rep, Public Affairs Officer, Range Master, School Bus Officer, Training Coordinator, Every 15 Minutes Coordinator and Isla Vista Foot Patrol. Kurt honorably retired in May of 2021 after 27 years of service. He leaves behind his high school sweetheart and wife of 38 years, Julie Schmidt and three adult children, Zachary (Jason), Conner (Brittani), and Elizabeth (Jesse). He is also survived by his mother, Barbara and brother Daniel (Kim) and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Last but not least, he leaves his beloved cattle dog, Indie, who was his favorite nurse over the past year. He loved traveling, especially in his 5th Wheel he bought immediately after retiring. He made wine barrel furniture and leather wallets for fun. He loved cooking and baking, fishing, campfires and a good bourbon. He was well known for his natural charisma, easy-going manner, wicked sense of humor, and his innate sense of fairness and consideration for others. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at the Lompoc Elks Lodge on Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 in the afternoon. Kurt hated black and preferred a casual outlook on life, so the family requests casual attire, perhaps your favorite camo or flannel shirt. His favorite place in the world was the family cabin at Virginia Lakes, California and his ashes will be spread there at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name made to Cancer Research, the CAHP Widow's & Orphans Fund, or the Animal Shelter.