Mountain Ranch, CA…William Warren Schmiett Born Nov. 24, 1952—died Dec. 11, 2018. Bill made 66 trips around the sun. A native Californian, Bill was born in Griffith Park in Los Angeles County, and later moved as a young child with his family to Sunnyvale, CA. Bill spent most of his adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Calaveras County. He and his wife moved full time to Mountain Ranch in 2001, were burnt out during the Butte Fire in 2015, and relocated to Mokelumne Hill in 2017. After travelling to Mexico over several years, Bill became enamored with the Mexican people and culture, as well as becoming fluent in Spanish. Bill was creating a lovely retreat home for himself and his wife in El Pescadero, BCS Mexico.

Bill had many careers throughout his life, including being a firefighter with CDF/Cal Fire, USFS, DSL installer, IT computer professional, and carpenter. Most recently he was a real estate broker and owner of Mountain Ranch Realty. Whenever possible he worked as a union steward in his workplace. Bill served on the Board of Directors of Central Calaveras Fire District.

Throughout his adult life Bill was, in his heart, a firefighter. After losing his home in the Butte fire, he chose to stay in Mountain Ranch and assist in any way he could to protect the town and surrounding land. In the aftermath of the fire, he opened his office to the townspeople who had lost homes and needed phone access or a meeting place.

Bill was a pilot, sailor, golfer, enthusiastic skier and hiker of the Sierras, avid reader, writer, pickle ball player, guitar player, (and yes, he had a lovely singing voice) and fabulous cook. He loved baseball, ice hockey, and curling.

He was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and performed community service stateside. It was during that service that he began learning to fight fires.

Throughout his life, it was important to Bill to help others, do the right thing—even if it was the more difficult choice— and remain true to himself.

He leaves behind his wife, Julie Shelby, his mother Margery Couls, his brother Doug Schmiett, his sister Gigi Culy, his daughter Kate Schmiett, his son Erik Schmiett and countless friends.

There will be a party for Bill at noon on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Mountain Ranch Town Hall, 8049 Washington Street in Mountain Ranch.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Central Calaveras Firefighter Association 19927 Jesus Maria Road, Mokelumne Hill, CA 95245.

For more information regarding the party on Feb. 9 or making donations, contact Julie at 209 419-0028