ERIC ANTHONY SCHMIDT -

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ERIC ANTHONY SCHMIDT 1951 - 2009 Eric A. Schmidt, 57, passed away in his home on Saturday, January 31, 2009, with his wife Anne and daughter Jessica by his side. Eric was born on May 10, 1951, the first child of George and Rita Schmidt. He had a happy childhood. After graduating from St. James Collegiate in 1969, Eric spent two terrific years at Winkler Bible Institute. There he met his future wife, Anne Janzen, though they only began dating while taking a philosophy course together at the U of M in 1975. Eric earned his degree in Agriculture and married Anne that July. After a short time working as a chicken farmer in Niverville, Manitoba, Eric and Anne built a beautiful home in North Kildonan. Eric worked hard to support his family. Since 1994 he owned and operated Dave's Overhead Door. He was a one-man-operation, who loved meeting interesting people on the job. Eric embodied joyfulness in everything he did. He loved to sing opera, drive his Triumph, listen to the Vinyl Café, play church baseball, and go to men's breakfast. Eric's faith in God was constant. He was a long-time bus driver and board member for Living Bible Explorers. In recent years he was also treasurer and council member for the church family he so loved, Jubilee Mennonite. In March, 2007, Eric was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer, and had surgery in June of that year. Sadly, in February of 2008, he learned that the cancer had spread. Family and friends rallied around Eric and advocated for his treatment. Despite his many trials, Eric remained steadfast in his faith and enjoyed his good work and great friends to the last. Thank you to Dr. Gingerich, Nurse Cheryl, and everyone at CancerCare. Eric is loved by his wife Anne; children, Alex (Christine), Matthew (Nanette), Amanda and Jessica; as well as by his parents, George and Rita; siblings, Wally, Lori and Sheila; four granddaughters; extended family; and caring church. All who knew him will miss Eric's friendly and generous spirit. Viewing at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, on Thursday, February 5, 2009 between 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Burial at Sunnyside Cemetery on Friday, February 6. Meet at Jubilee Church, 365 Edelweiss Crescent at 9:45 a.m. Memorial service at Portage Avenue Church, 1420 Portage Avenue at 1:00 p.m., February 6. Donations can be made to Living Bible Explorers, or to kidneycancercanada.org.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2009