While fortune favors the brave, life continues to take its inevitable toll. George, Don's older brother, lost his life to lung cancer in 1970. He was 50.

In 1989, Don's jitterbug partner and wife of 47 years succumbed to her fourth heart attack. A strong survivor in her own right, Jean Schmidt had fought lung cancer for several years. She finally beat the deadly disease, but the struggle proved too much for a heart already weakened by a birth defect.

All those years of dancing came with a price. In 1995, Don had both his knees replaced. He started treatment for adult onset diabetes.

In 2001, after driving himself to his doctor's office while having a heart attack, Don endured 5-way heart bypass surgery. Ever the unstoppable tourist, four months later, he and his dear companion, LaVon Thorp, recuperated at the Hale Koa Hotel in Waikiki. Later that year, they rested on a leisurely cruise to see the sights of Alaska.

After 38 years spent photographing every known manner of flora and fauna at the San Diego Zoo and its adjunct Wild Animal Park, Don turned in his Hasselblad in 2004.

Don's best friend for 42 years was Chuck Smith, Cmdr, Ret. They met on the Constellation when Chuck was the ship's 1st Lieutenant. For five decades, Chuck and his wife, Mildred, made their home in San Diego. Another member of America's greatest generation, sadly, Chuck passed away in 2005.

Don and LaVon, a widow with 5 children and numerous grandchildren, enjoy their leisure life in each other's company. After traveling the world several times over, today they are contented stay-at-homes. While LaVon still teaches dance every week, Don's dancing shoes got a well-deserved break.

One of Don's children has left her entire estate to him in her will. Although perfectly healthy, she's sure he'll outlive her. When she told her Dad of her decision, completely dead-pan, he asked her what she'd like him to do with her things. He fully expects to inherit his daughter's estate, and anyone who knows Don Schmidt, this intrepid survivor, wouldn't be surprised if he did.

This hungry orphan of the depression, sterling Naval officer, loving husband, devoted father, and faithful companion and friend, is still going strong, although at a slower pace. He still enjoys anything chocolate, lively music, cheating at pinochle, fondly recalling his many travels and adventures. and regaling his family with jokes and tales from his long and colorful life.

If you knew Don from his childhood. or served with Don in the Navy, or worked with him at the Zoo, or met him on many of his travels, and you'd like to contact him, you can email him with this link: