In 1964, the lure of skiing pulled Mark Schmidt to Whitefish from Minnesota. He spent his first years as a ski patrolman, then became a ski instructor with Karl Hinderman and spent summers as a muleskinner packing for the Forest Service.

He ultimately branched out and formed his own construction company. Along the line, he met and married his wife Shirley, who is a second-generation native of the Flathead. They enjoy their life as "urban farmers' on their acreage on Whitefish River, where Mark indulges his passion for horses.

Initially he had Belgian-cross mules, which he showed throughout the U.S. and Canada, but now has German warmblood horses, which he drives as a four-horse team and carriage. He competes on a national level, where he is known as a 'super-skilled horseman" and is vying for a spot on the national team.

Mark is always busy with something. He spent years as a volunteer fireman, and built and maintains a horse-drawn hearse which he makes available for parades and funerals.

He has always been known as a 'soft touch," willing to do what he could to help others, and he gives generously of his time, primarily to the North Valley Food Bank. He had a lead role in constructing two additions to the building, and puts in several hours each week processing game animals and packaging food for distribution to the many families who rely on the food bank for sustenance.

Mark, you have improved our community in many ways. We thank you and wish you well in your many endeavors.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].