Henricus Schmitz

Portsmouth, RI - Henricus Harry J. C. Schmitz, 61, of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2011 at home surrounded by his loving family.He was the husband of Linda Laflamme. Born in The Hague, The Netherlands on Feb. 18, 1950, he was the son of the late Everardus Eef and Hendrika Henny Boer Schmitz.Harry was a master craftsman, especially with wood. He was an avid model train collector, but the trains had to be from Holland. In his basement, he built a model railroad that was based on cities in Holland. He loved tinkering with electronics and built several radios. He loved sailing, and was a sailing instructor in Newport for several years. In his youth, he professionally raced motorcycles in Europe. Initially he worked as a civil engineer for the City of Zoetermeer, but after moving to America he worked for United Airlines from where he recently retired.He is survived by his wife Linda Laflamme of Portsmouth, RI, his daughter Stephanie Schmitz and her companion Spencer Roberts of Portsmouth, RI, his sisters Elly Stuijfzand and her husband Jan of Monster, The Netherlands, Jos Witvliet and her husband Wim of The Hague, The Netherlands and Hetty Bruijn and her husband Rober of The Hague, The Netherlands. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Joy, Raymond, Amy, Dylan, Mark, Nina, Maaike and Tim and his lovable cat Lola. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his parents-in-law, Paul and Claire Laflamme and his nephew Walter Skillings. His funeral services will be private.Calling hours are omitted. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society 538 Preston Ave PO Box 1004 Meriden, CT 06450 or The Prostate Cancer Foundation 1250 Fourth Street Santa Monica, CA 90401.