Former Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt passes away at 60

Duane Scott Schmidt (July 18, 1961 - August 26, 2021). Photo: McMillan Mortuary

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — On Thursday, August 26, former Coalville Mayor Duane Schmidt passed away peacefully at age 60.

Duane fought a hard battle against a rare form of cancer known as dedifferentiated liposarcoma. The cancer spread aggressively in his last month despite undergoing major surgery at the end of July this year.

Schmidt was born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 18, 1961. He was a lifelong fan of the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. He loved to joke with his friends who were rival sports fans.

After moving to Utah, Duane owned and operated Humpty Dumpsters and Concrete Taxi. He served on the Coalville City Council and later was elected to Coalville City Mayor for eight consecutive years.

His hobbies included antique car restoration, big game hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening. He was an all-around handyman and knew how to do everything.

He loved collecting boy scout patches and spending days at the pool. Duane earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow, Nentico Lodge 12.

He did not want a service or celebration of his life. Rather, the week before he passed he requested that his loved ones come together for a swim party and barbecue.

He is survived by both parents, his wife, three children, his brother and sister, and many nieces and nephews.