WILLIAM (BILL) SCHMITT

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WILLIAM (BILL) SCHMITT 1920 - 2003 Peacefully in his sleep after a long illness our husband, friend and father William (Bill) Henry Schmitt passed away in the early morning of the 24th of April, 2003. Dad was predeceased by his brother Joseph and is survived by his wife Eunice (Penny) sons, John and Paul; grandson Joseph; and sisters, Helen and Mary; and brother Henry. Dad was born in Holdfast, SK November 23, 1920 and later moved to Arbourfield, SK, the place that always remained back home. Shortly after graduation from Luther College, Dad joined the R.C.A.F. and saw wartime service in England as a Bomber Pilot and Instructor and began a lifetime love affair with airplanes and flying. It was also during this time that for acts of courage and skill Dad was presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross by King George. After the war Dad returned to Saskatchewan where he farmed and bush piloted for several years. At the same time he continued a courtship and in 1949 married our mother Eunice (Penny) Nickel. And together they raised two sons and for years shared their love of bridge, curling, family and each other and lived to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary together. Around the same time Dad joined the United Grain Growers, a company he remained with and had a very satisfying career ending up in Winnipeg as regional manager until his retirement in 1982. In his own simple retirement speech best company in the country, best country in the world. In retirement Dad took pleasure in travel, his friends and family and participation in the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, the UGG Quarter Century Club and the Canadian Legion St. James Branch. Dad leaves behind a legacy of good humour, loyalty, honesty, knowing the value good friendship and the importance of family. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Grace Hospital and all the friends who were such constant providers of support. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that a donation be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Bills funeral service was held on Monday, April 28, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Dr. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2003