Windsor, Vt. —
Born Nov. 18, 1953, to Francis Schmertz and Margaret Hitchcock, Lou grew up in a large and close family, surrounded by siblings. Lou attended schools in Pittsburgh, Pa. and St. Louis, Mo. before getting in to the restaurant business, a passion that remained with him for a lifetime.
Throughout his life Lou always had a dog and loved each of them deeply. He was at his happiest on his mountain bike in the woods with his dogs, Grizzly, Wizard, Gunniess, Gracie and Axl.
Lou’s passion for mountain biking and skiing inspired many and he taught many people, young and old, to ride and build trails. He was instrumental in developing the mountain bike portion of the Vermont 50 Mile and was actively involved in the race up until the day he died. Although he suffered serious injuries in 2002 that left him unable to ride his bike, he took it upon himself to stay as involved in the mountain bike community as possible.
Lou’s other legacy is the Skunk Hollow Tavern, which he opened with his previous wife Rae, sister Gretchen and brother-in-law Carlos in 1986. He loved being at the Skunk and getting to know everyone in the community.
Lou is predeceased by his parents, previous wife Rae, and stepsister Ellie. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Lillian Schmertz and her partner, Emma Caffrey; his sisters, Gretchen Ocasio, Heidi Schmertz, Francesca Sobrer, and Gillian Lewis; brothers-in-law, Tim, Luis, and Carlos; and his step-siblings, John Richard, Tom, George and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, Makonnin, Trevor, Anastacia, Raven, Greer, Ryland, Miro and Olivia; and the apples of his eye, grand-nieces Ayana and Ainsley.
A celebration of Lou’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Hartland, Vt. on Monday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. and followed by a potluck reception at Skunk Hollow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports.
The Knight Funeral Home in Windsor assisted with the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to his family in an online guest book at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.