SOUTH DEERFIELD — The sound of bagpipes could be heard throughout the South Deerfield neighborhood where a man, affectionately called “Doc” by those who know him best, celebrated his birthday Tuesday evening.
Family and friends of Dr. Robert “Bob” Schmitt of South Deerfield Veterinary Practice celebrated his 80th birthday with a surprise drive-thru celebration involving friends, clients and former co-workers from across Franklin County, including longtime friend and client, Tom Ricardi of the Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center in Conway.
Joining him outdoors for the birthday celebration were his daughter, Kirsta Davey, who he expected to see at some point on Tuesday. He also had surprise visits from his two granddaughters, and his son, Lee Schmitt. Guests drove up the driveway on Sugarloaf Street — often with their pets in tow — stopped to exchange a few words with the family, and then looped around the back of the house and onto the street.
“Wow,” said Bob, in a quieter moment after the last of the guests had come up the driveway and after the bagpipes — played for the duration of the celebration by Eric Goodchild of Shelburne Falls — came to a pause.
“He was totally surprised,” said his wife, Bette.
Originally, Bette’s plans for her husband involved taking him out for a birthday dinner, she said. It was friends in the piano group she’s part of who suggested she do something bigger, like a drive-thru celebration.
“What does he like?” they asked her.
Bagpipes, she told them. So, the group hired Goodchild to play on the neighbor’s front lawn while guests stopped by the house to wish Bob a happy birthday, and in some cases, drop off a present or two.
“Bob has always loved bagpipes,” Bette said. “We’ve been to Scotland, to Ireland. His favorite was always the bagpipes.”
“In these times of COVID, you have to think of ways to celebrate,” Davey added. “It was such a great day.”
This year also marks 50 years in the veterinary field, with 47 of those years being at his practice on Elm Street. Tuesday’s celebration was also in recognition of that, the family said. T-shirts were made for the occasion.
“The people here have been wonderful,” said Bette, noting Bob’s practice has some of the “most loyal, wonderful” clients. “They’ve just supported us as a family.”
Bob, who joked about the challenge of recognizing people behind their masks as they pulled up to wish him well, recalled driving through Franklin County, in particular Deerfield, when deciding back in 1973 where to establish his veterinary practice. Since then, the vet has developed a regional reputation for his work with small and large animals from across Western Massachusetts.
“It’s been a good ride,” he said.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne