Bruce "Duck" Schmid

Duck, age 58, died at home on April 1, 2011, of lung cancer.
He was born Nov. 15, 1952, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, to Carl and Erna Schmid, and raised in New York. Duck graduated from Hofstra University in 1974 with a double major in computer science and math, and joined Sperry Univac as a programmer in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
Duck met Bettina in 1982 while backpacking in Grand Gulch (UT) with mutual friends. Throwing sticks at each other while hiking was the ritual which cemented their lifelong commitment. The next year he transferred to Sperry Univac in Salt Lake City to be with Bettina. He later worked for Novell, Lineo, Freescale, and Fusion-IO.
Duck thrived in every job he held; computers were in his blood. He had the rare qualities of being an outstanding programmer and architect, as well as always taking time to help other developers.
Music was a real passion of his. In particular, he believed strongly in supporting local Utah musicians and local house concerts.
Duck's hobbies over the years included participating in road rallies, horse races, bicycling, wine-making, hiking, and photography. He and Bettina also enjoyed doing environmental activities such as Jordan River cleanups and tree plantings.
Duck had a quick wit and a great (albeit sometimes quirky) sense of humor, and he was proud that most people did not even know he had any other name besides "Duck".
He is survived by his wife Bettina Graupe; father Carl Schmid, Florida; brother Glenn (Sue), and nephews Kevin, Brock, and Cameron, New York.
An informal gathering for friends and family will be held Sun. April 10, 2011, at the Holladay United Church of Christ, 2631 E. Murray Holladay Road, Holladay, UT, from 5 to 8 pm. A parking lot entrance is from Murray-Holladay Rd, west side of the building. Entrance is also on the west side of the building. Map is at http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&q=holladay+Church+of+Christ+salt+lake+city+ut&fb=1&gl=us&hq=holladay+Church+of+Christ&hnear=Salt+Lake+City,+UT&t=h&view=map&cid=85319078863175323&ll=40.673136,-111.816874&spn=0.006477,0.016587&z=16&iwloc=A Entrees will be provided, but please feel free to bring an appetizer, dessert, or drink to share. Please, no hard liquor.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association at www.iamaweb.org