December 2, 1931 - January 6, 2021
It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hans Schmitt of Nanaimo. His ever devoted wife was with him at his side.
Hans is lovingly remembered by his wife Hilde of 67 years, his children Ingrid, Peter (Amy), Susan (Gerry) and Heidi (David), his grandchildren Heather, Bryan (An), Derek (Courtenay) and Jillyan (Kyle), and his great-grandchildren Caleb, Daniel and Emilia, as well as his brother in laws Siegfried (Millie) and Dieter (Margaret) and sister in law Ingrid, nieces and nephews, and his many friends. Hans joins his parents Anna and Johannes, his siblings Günter and Anneliese, his brother in law Heinz and his niece Helga.
Born in 1931 in Küpper, Schlesien, Hans attended Agricultural School with his now lifelong friend Eberhard. Eberhard was the cupid that introduced Hildegard to Hans and they subsequently became engaged. With the dream of creating a stronger future for both of them, Hans came to Canada in 1952.
He began his new life at a farm in Swift Current. With Eberhard's encouragement, Hans then came to Nanaimo, and began working on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Hilde emigrated and they were married in February 1953. Hilde's two younger brothers, Siegfried and Dieter arrived in 1955 and they joined the now growing family. Hans went on to work at the Nanaimo Dairy before starting his career as a sales representative for Amberine, where he worked within the industry until his retirement.
Hans was an avid fisherman and hunter. He passionately taught his children and grandchildren to fish and was just as excited as them when they caught their first one. He enjoyed many hours out on the water with Don and he and Eddy shared many stories highlighting their joint entrepreneurial ventures.
Above all, Hans valued his family and worked hard throughout his life to support them. He was always immensely proud of his wife and their joint family legacy.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to friends and family for the many kindnesses shown to us during this time. Also, thanks to Dr. M. Barron for his years of kind care and support to Hans and to the staff at NRGH and the Palliative Care Team. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to celebrate Hans' memory are invited to make a gift to a charity of their choice.
"Machs gut - Auf Weidersehen!"