Henry Schmidt

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HENRY SCHMIDT

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden, unexpected, but peaceful passing of Henry Schmidt, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, on November 15, 2015, at the age of 80.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Helen, son Rick (Terry), daughter Darlene (Len), sons: Len (Carla), Ray (Shannon), and Larry (Dawn); 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elisabeth, step-mother Elizabeth, and brothers Isaac and Jake.

Henry was born in 1934, in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. After his mother’s death at the age of 14, his eyes were set on Canada, and at the age of 21, following his desire for adventure, he and his brother Jake, made their way to Winnipeg. His love of things automotive, and inclination to repair broken items led to his first job in Canada as a mechanic at an Esso garage in the north end of Winnipeg. After a couple of years, and not content with the status quo, he sought to improve his lot and began to work at the Carter Motors dealership and immediately enrolled in the Mechanic’s apprenticeship program, receiving his Journeyman’s Certificate in 1963.

In 1957, he met Helen Reimer from Winkler, and married her later that year in October. In 1958, their first child, a son, was born, with one daughter and three sons following between then and 1969.

In 1966, his entrepreneurial urges took hold, and he purchased his first tandem dump truck, (the first of many) and Schmidt Trucking was born. Between then and 1995, many loads of gravel were hauled into many Winnipeg basements and driveways, many loads of pulp hauled to feed the Kenora pulp mill, and many Northern Manitoba roads gravelled. During these years he was actively involved in the Manitoba Independent Dump Truck Association, acting as Treasurer for several years. Other business interests included a small engine and equipment shop, Assiniboine Power Equipment, and several network marketing companies.

His faith was a very important aspect of his life, being baptized as a young man, later reconfirming his faith in Christ, and becoming actively involved at Crestview Fellowship, Charleswood Gospel Temple, and more recently at Stony Brook Fellowship.

Over the years, Dad and Mum spent many extended winter vacations in warm locales, including Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Dominican Republic. We all have fond memories of family vacations at the Ocean Landings Resort in Florida.

He decided to learn how to use a computer in his later years, and became quite proficient in its use, enjoying playing Freecell, also doing his banking online, and communicating by email with friends and family.

He loved to play tennis with anyone willing to take him on, coffeeing with Mum and their friends, gardening, watching the Jets, reading, and staying informed on current events.

Dad, you will forever be in our hearts, we love you.

The viewing will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. with a devotional to follow at 7:30 p.m at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 162 Hwy 52 W, Steinbach.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, with a private family burial prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Foundation.

As published in The Carillon on Nov 17, 2015