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IRVIN PAUL FREDRICK SCHMIDT
Born: Jan 15, 1938
Date of Passing: Dec 29, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryIRVIN PAUL FREDRICK SCHMIDT January 15, 1938 - December 29, 2012 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Irvin Paul Fredrick Schmidt, on December 29, 2012, at the age of 74, with his dear wife Elsie by his side. Left to cherish his memory is Elsie, his loving wife of 52 years, and daughter Holly (Sean), sons Kelvin (Jennifer) and Craig (Deborah), brothers Walter and James (Margret). He will be lovingly missed and forever adored by grandchildren Jared (Rachel), Devan (Gemma), Bradley, Avery, Allison, Wyatt, Ramona, Derek and Leah, Chayse and Justin, as well as great-grandchildren Liam, Jayden and Abbey. Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends are sure to miss his calming and smiling presence as well. Irv is predeceased by his parents Arthur Otto and Antonie Helene Schmidt, sister-in-law Cecile Schmidt, great-niece baby Ashley Anderson and a great-niece in stillbirth. Irv was born on January 15, 1938 in Grandview, Manitoba, grew up on the family farm bordering Riding Mountain National Park, and he was passionate about nature with a love of the outdoors, animals and birds. A little known fact to many is that he began his working career as a School Teacher in the one-room Shell Valley School in 1955, at the age of 17. He loved helping others. Irv then began his Police career with Regina Police Service where he served for two years. He then served for three years as the Chief Constable in Grandview, MB. In December 1964 he began his police career in Winnipeg with the Assiniboia Police Department. He would serve in Winnipeg for over 33 years, retiring at the rank of Detective Sergeant with the Winnipeg Police Service in January 1998. He had an accomplished career, serving in many specialty units, and was well respected by his colleagues. In his personal life, nothing was more important to him than his family. He had so many dear friends who also gave him much happiness. He was an extremely dedicated family man, always the rock , the listener, the go-to for advice, always placing everyone else above his own needs. It has been said often by so many that he had a gigantic heart. Special occasions were always spent with family. He loved the outdoors, dogs and horses especially. He played baseball with the police league and The Headingley Roosters in his early days. He later replaced this with preferring to cheer from the sidelines, standing tall and proud, supporting his children's and grandchildren's numerous activities. Irv and Elsie raised their family in Headingley for most of their youth and retired in Gimli 12 years ago. A memorial service celebrating Irv's life will be held on January 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Funeral Homes at 4000 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB. The family sends their thanks to Dr. Shaker, Dr. Rabson, Dr. Chowdhury, Dr. Taraska and the doctors and nurses at both Gimli Selkirk Hospitals for their wonderful care over the years. Special appreciation to Dr. Governo for his compassion and care in Selkirk during Irv's passing. "Sunshine fades and shadows fall, but sweet remembrance outlasts all."
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2013
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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I only had a chance to meet Irvin a few times. Him and his wife drove me to the states to see my dad. It was a silent ride at first mostly Elsie did all the talking. She told me a little bit about there life together, but kept the details short.I had always wondered what they were like,They sounded like the perfect love story the kind you cut out in perfect shapes. I guess I'll only ever have to hear and believe perfect stories of the two people I barely knew. I like to imagine that Irvin was a great policeman and he would tell me all the stories from his time on the force but I would laugh because I had already heard them.I have never heard the stories, truth is I wish I had. I bet he was great, I wish I had known about the funeral. I unfortunately didn't get to say goodbye it's bothered me for quite sometime now. As we all know people pass but we have to keep on going. - Posted by: Cassandra (Unknown) on: Oct 10, 2014
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He represented everything I so sadly missed about the Ottawa Police Service. Loyalty to fellow members and devotion to a noble cause came easily to him as did understanding of criminal action. He would say to an accused "you knew it was illegal: you took a chance and got caught. You cannot expect to be rewarded" - Posted by: Walter Schmidt (Brother (former member of Ottawa Police Service)) on: Jul 29, 2013
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I just found out this week about Irv's passing. Irv was definitely one of the good guys in this world. Witty, sharp and very caring -- a real family man. Whenever I ran into Irv unexpectedly, it made my day. I am very sorry for all of you (Elsie, Holly, Craig & Kelvin....) Like many who knew him, just thinking about Irv brings a smile to my face. Please take care! Jan Pedersen. - Posted by: Jan Pedersen (Friend) on: Mar 31, 2013
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I wish I would have known I would have been there to celebrate this man's life. I loved Irv as he was such a great supporter for the kids during all their basketball days. He is very good man and will live on in many. My thoughts and prayers are with you Elsie and Holly and families. I thought of him so much and now he will be watching over to bring the sunshine and brightness as he did to every game we attended!! Blessings. xoxoxo - Posted by: Donna Hornick (Friend of Holly) on: Feb 09, 2013
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Elsie, our condolences to you and your family on the loss of a great person. Cathie Maric passed along your message just this past Friday. Irv was to us the type of person that you truly never forget. He was the kind of person who instantly lightened your day and lessened your load when he walked in. Allan remembers all the great conversations and visits with him as well. I can still remember him saying "Any day I wake up and I can see my toes wiggle - it's a good day". I have often thought of you both with fond memories. He was truly a gem. - Posted by: Rita Hanlin and Allan Rogocki (Worked for the company that built both their homes in Headingly and the last one in Gimli) on: Jan 29, 2013
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I just heard the sad news last night. Irv always had a smile and a good word to share with everyone. Elsie, Erv adorded you and it was evident to all, my sincere condolences. Sorry I missed the service. - Posted by: Susan Rebbeck (Shelmerdine Friend) on: Jan 13, 2013
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My heart now has a hole where Irv used to be. He will truly be missed by all. He was a wounderful man and loved by all who met him. He enriched the lives of those he touched. Keep an eye on us Irv, we will keep one open for you forever. Love you - Posted by: Lynda Ludwig (X daughter -in-law) on: Jan 11, 2013
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A TRUE country gentleman. Never a bad word, and always talked about family and two-stepping. A great partner..We will miss you... - Posted by: Glen Spryszak (Former partner) on: Jan 09, 2013
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Received this sad message which immediately brought back unforgettable memories & many joyous moments working together with WPS Vice Div. Irv was a first rate Police officer and it was an honour to have him as a partner. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Wally Rudnick (Working Partner) on: Jan 08, 2013
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We are deeply saddened by Irv's passing. We will always remember his great sense of humor every time we went for a walk down our street in Gimli. He was always helping Elsie with her beautiful garden. He always took the time to talk. We would talk for long periods of time. A great neighbour! We will miss him. Our prayers and thoughts are with Elsie and her family. Your neighbours Cris and Bev Braga - Posted by: Cris and Bev Braga (neighbours in Gimli) on: Jan 07, 2013
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Irv was a great police officer to work with. His family will miss him but can be proud of everything Irv accomplished in his life. - Posted by: Bill Bell (Co-worker in St James-Assiniboia and Winnipeg Police ) on: Jan 07, 2013
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I had the pleasure of working with Irv in Dist 2 WPS over 20 yrs ago. He always started my day with his sense of humor and kindness. I'm so happy I was blessed to run into Irv and Elsie at Costco last month. God bless your family with strength and love. - Posted by: Katherine Dane (Colleague) on: Jan 07, 2013
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Dear Elsie, Holly, Kelvin, Craig and family, Although no words can really help to ease the loss you all are experiencing, just know that you are very close in our every thought and prayer. Big Hugs and Much Love Darren, Sheila and Katelyn xo - Posted by: Sheila Marchyshyn () on: Jan 06, 2013
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Uncle Irvin will be missed! Everyone is in our prayers sending lots of love! - Posted by: Justin and RoAnna (Uncle) on: Jan 06, 2013
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We all love you and miss you Poppa. Thank you for everything!! Love Jared, Rachel & little Jayden. - Posted by: Jared, Rachel & Jayden Cox (Grandson, Granddaughter & Great-Granddaughter) on: Jan 06, 2013
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Although we knew Irv for only a short 5 years , he has allways been a good friend & gentleman. We will miss Irv dearly. Condolences to his family, take care. Lots of Love...the Richs' - Posted by: Keith & Cathy Rich (Friends) on: Jan 06, 2013
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Irvin started working with Assinaboia Police dept. in 1964. I started as a Crown Attorney in 1964 and ran across him then. Of all police officers I dealt with in those years and later when I had other law assignments, we met professionally. He was the epitome of what a police officer should be - and a good person. Elsie you had a gem - as did your family - and the public as well. He was special and I remember him in that way. Ken Regier (Kenneth P. Regier, QC - Posted by: Kenneth P. Regier, QC (colleague in justice) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Irv and I worked in Dist 3 Police for the last four years of his service. I always enjoyed his sense of humour and great laugh. My condolences to his wife and family. Ron Dawson - Posted by: Ron Dawson (work mate) on: Jan 05, 2013
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I served with Irv on the St James -Assiniboia Police Dept. His passing will leave a great void in many lives. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless you Irvin. Moe Butler, Morden, MB. - Posted by: Maurice (Moe) Butler (Former colleague and friend. serving with St James-Assiniboia Police Department) on: Jan 05, 2013
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We are deeply saddened by Irv's passing! Ivr was one of the first people to introduce himself to us when we came to clear our property right across the road from him in Gimli. We could always look across the street and see him lovingly helping Elsie with their beautiful yard.Our sympathy to the entire family! - Posted by: Betty & Richard Ducheck (Neighbours) on: Jan 05, 2013
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Irv and I were partners in the old Assiniboia Days and we had a lot of fun. My deepest condolences to Elsie & Family. I cannot make the service since I am in Texas. - Posted by: Bob Flock (Friend and colleague) on: Jan 05, 2013
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A great neighbour. Everyone should be so Lucky..Glad to have stopped in this summer. My prayers and thoughts to Elsie and Family Gerry Ducharme - Posted by: Gerry Ducharme (former next door neighbour in Gimli) on: Jan 05, 2013