Lifetime San Luis Valley resident, William R. (Bill) Schmittel, 78, went to be with the Lord at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs on July 25, 2013 with his loving family members by his side. Bill was born May 15, 1935 in Alamosa to William (Bill) Schmittel and Mary Jo Hurley and was raised in Saguache on the family ranch. He graduated in 1955 from Saguache County High School. He was a master of many trades having worked with the U.S. Forest Service, Homestake Mining Company, Monte Vista Coop but most importantly, he was an awesome self employed contractor. After his retirement from Monte Vista Coop, Bill spent his time working with wood, making custom bird houses, welding, working in his yard and boasting of his beautiful flowers, birds and even the bees that he attracted with his yard fountain. Bill was a member of the Grace Baptist Church where he enjoyed fellowship and praising our Lord Jesus Christ. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed playing tricks on others. Bill did not know a stranger and could carry on long conversations about many topics. He was a very proud man and projected that when he talked of his family. Bill loved and adored his children and grandchildren. His face lit up every time a member of his family walked into the room. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia (Jim), his sons, Steve (Vicki) and Kevin as well as seven grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday August 2, 2013 at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista. in lieu of flowers contributions are suggested to the Evergreen Nursing Home or to the Diabetes Association and may be made through the funeral home office.