EDWIN (TED) PETER SCHMITZ

November 2, 1931 – April 9, 2021

It's with broken hearts, we sadly announce the passing of Ted Schmitz on April 9, 2021 at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care Unit, peacefully and with family by his side. He was 89 years old.

 

He is survived by the love of his life, and wife, Ethel (nee Helmeczi); they would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on April 11, 2021. Ted is also survived by his children, Tara Schmitz Forsyth (Bruce), Dona Schalme (Brian); grandchildren, Jarrid Forsyth, Ashton-Lynn Henkel (Jason), Jenna Forsyth (Mark Alward) and Brooke Forsyth (Kris Sharf); great-grandchildren, Nixon and Lowen Henkel; siblings, Leona Kelln, Joan Hengen (John), Verna Paslawski (Frank), Arnold Schmitz, Marie Drew, Rev. Father Albert Schmitz, Joe Schmitz (Barb), Wayne Schmitz (Clarice); in-laws, Don Izsak, Sandra Bashforth Eliuk (Marshall), and Gail Helmeczi, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Schmitz, parents-in-law Peter and Rose Helmeczi; siblings Anna Pinkney and Louise Izsak; in-laws, Lorraine Schmitz, John Kelln, Ernie Drew, Harvey Pinkney, Bert Helmeczi, Rose and Tony Kacsmar, Bob Bashforth and Peter and Carol Helmeczi.

 

Ted was born in Windthorst, Saskatchewan to Albert and Elizabeth Schmitz and was the second in what would become a large family of 11 brothers and sisters. He eventually moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where he met his future bride, Ethel, on a blind date. They were married on April 11, 1959 in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. They relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba to start their own family, where Ted worked for Security Storage and later for Kleysen Transport as a long distance truck driver. While there he was also given the opportunity to pursue his life-long passion in carpentry. He eventually left Kleysen to start his own company as a self employed carpenter. Ted was an amazing old-world carpenter who built numerous cottages and houses, but his true skill was in renovating kitchens. There are many examples of his work still to be found throughout the city and province. He was very honored when the Winnipeg Free Press did a feature article on him in their Homes section, Saturday, January 9, 1982. He never lost his love for traveling and the open road and eventually returned to truck driving. He worked for Tri-Line Transport until his retirement in 1999.

 

Throughout his life, Ted had a great love of family. He adored his daughters, grand-children and great grandchildren. He had a dry sense of humor that could make anyone laugh.

 

He had wanted a son and was blessed with two when his daughters married. When handing out any kind of life lesson advice to his sons-in-law, Bruce and Brian, it would always begin with "Now, Sonny", or "Listen Sonny". It was quite the term of endearment and they didn't even seem to mind that that was what he called our dog Buck.

 

 

The family wish to thank all of the staff on the Emergency and Palliative Units at St. Boniface Hospital, whose compassion and care for Ted and our family was without bounds. We will always be grateful for their incredible support.

 

Ted's family kindly request that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him, are available there.

 

Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions no service has been planned at this time but a celebration of his life will take place at Esterhazy, Saskatchewan at a later date.