Thomas Lloyd "Tom" Schmidt, 64, died Feb. 29 at his home in Harney County. Tom was born in Omaha, Neb., on June 20, 1947, to Boyd and Vivian Stone Schmidt. He was the third of four children and spent his childhood in Omaha. After completing high school in Omaha, he spent four years with the U.S. Coast Guard serving his country. While he was stationed in Long Beach, Calif., he met and married Sondra Sue Williams in 1970. He had a long career in the ceramic tile industry. After 25 years, his knowledge was recognized and sought out across the entire nation. He was able to start his own store in 1989, which was an instant success. Unfortunately, he had to close the doors due to his declining health, but he left with many friends in the industry. In 2005, Tom and his wife, Sondra, moved to Harney County where they built a ranch for their retirement. Tom was exceptionally proud of his children and their accomplishments, and to him his grandchildren were the greatest. He loved hunting, fishing and running his team of Siberian huskies in harness. He loved his animals, especially his big, old quarter horse Ben and his two Australian shepherds. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Linda. He is survived by his wife, Sondra; daughter, Melissa and husband Art Laffer of Nashville, Tenn.; son, Steven of Bend; four grandchildren, Isabelle, Arthur, Amelia and Juliette Laffer; sister, Kathy Cline of San Diego, Calif.; and brother, Dale of Phoenix, Ariz. LaFollette's Chapel is in charge of arrangements.