WILLIAM ARTHUR HENRY ART SCHAEFER

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WILLIAM ARTHUR HENRY (ART) SCHAEFER It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather Arthur following a most painful two months caused by a fractured leg, extensive surgery and subsequent complications. Arthur passed away peacefully with family at his side, on March 13, 2002, at The Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg at the age of 92. He is survived by his children, Larry (Etty), Dennis (Sandra) and Trudy (Craig) Wallis. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kathy (Bobby) Carter, Brian Schaefer, Susan (Darren) Shaw, David (Kathy) Schaefer, Jim Schaefer, Chris Wallis and Kim Wallis; also great-grandchildren, Justin and Jillian Carter, Carissa and Braden Shaw, Amber Schaefer; and one sister Dorothy; cousins, Arnold Schaefer and Laura Rausch; family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife Emily; parents Maxwell and Bertha; brother George; sisters, Irene, Alice and Margaret; daughter-in-law Elaine and cousin Eldon Schaefer. Arthur had a very difficult childhood. He was born in New Westminster, BC, in 1909. His mother passed away when he was only five years old, and he was separated from his family and sent to live with relations in Gilbert Plains, MB. His father returned to Winnipeg when Arthur was 12 and took him under his wing. At 16 they moved to Trail, BC, where Arthur worked in the Cominco smelter. He returned to Winnipeg at the age of 18 and worked a variety of heavy jobs over the next decade including sheet metal work, coal and wood delivery, trapping and lumberjacking. During that period he also drove a taxicab. He eventually found himself employed as a car painter apprentice at Breen Motors. With the exception of a stint during the Second World War at Parkhill Bedding, car painting became his career for the remainder of his working life at Inman Motors and subsequent owners. Many friends and family members were the benefactors of Dads exceptional automotive painting skills. Throughout the late 1940s and the 1950s Arthur moonlighted as a private detective. He met Emily, his bride-to-be, while she was recuperating in hospital from third degree burns. The friendship soon blossomed into romance and they were married in 1933. Arthur had an extremely friendly and cheerful disposition combined with a positive outlook. This and his compassion for people earned him numerous friends and much deserved respect. He was an exemplary and loving husband and father. He took great pride in his family and was devoted to their well-being. Father enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hunting, fishing and berry picking. He derived great pleasure from his many trips to his childrens cottages and in family excursions to the United States. Church played an important role in Arthurs life, and he was an active member of church council for many years. He will be dearly missed, but he leaves us with many treasured memories. Our sincerest heartfelt thank you to the staff and volunteers of Middlechurch Home for treating Dad with dignity, respect and love. They made him feel "at home" and we, as family, were always welcome. A special note of thanks also to staff at the Seven Oaks Hospital, Dr. Chan, Dr. Haligowski, Dr. Saunders, pastors Bruce Gelhorn and Paul Gehrs and homecare workers for their devotion, help and caring. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 18 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberly Ave., with pastor(s) Bruce Gelhorn and Paul Gehrs officiating. Interment to follow in Glen Eden Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be David, Brian and Jim Schaefer, Chris Wallis, Bob Carter and Darren Shaw. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations are encouraged in memory of Arthur to the charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 17, 2002