‘Bill’ William Schmidt of Rockglen, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness, on November 1, 2016. Bill was born in Limerick, Saskatchewan on January 28, 1929, and made full use of his 87 years. Predeceased by his son Winton, his mother and step-father Stacey and Art McCutcheon, his brother Bud Schmidt, and step-brothers Jerry and Jim McCutcheon, Bill is survived by his wife Isabell, children Dinah (Doug) Almond and Wes Schmidt, daughter-in-law Angie Schmidt, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren as well as numerous other relatives. Bill had an extended family including Ida Beatul of Rockglen and three additional step-sisters on the McCutcheon side, as well as two half-brothers and two half-sisters on the Schmidt side. Bill’s best memories of his childhood were on his grandmother’s farm, but he left school and started working at age 13. By 15 he was working on the shipyards in Vancouver helping with the war effort. He made his way back to Saskatchewan and started working at Swifts in Moose Jaw in the winter and on various farms during the summer, eventually working for his step-father Art McCutcheon. He married Isabell Hansen November 20, 1950 and they had Dinah in 1952, Wes in 1954, and Winton in 1959. In 1956, they bought and established Bill’s first real home on the “Bench”. Bill was accomplished at everything he attempted, including woodwork (he built three houses), mechanics, plumbing, electrical, and he was also a very conscientious farmer. In addition to the farm, Bill and Isabell had the Massey Ferguson agency in Rockglen for ten years, and also had several milk cows. A very full workload. He was a natural musician playing several instruments, including the guitar and accordion, played in a Band and played at too many house parties to name. Bill was a square dance caller for 40 years, calling in every province in Canada (except Quebec), and much of Western USA, as well as Alaska and Hawaii, and their dance friends were always very dear to them. His hobbies included photography, flying his Cessna 172, and computers. In 1984 they built their last house, moving to Rockglen, and turning the farm over to Winton and Angie. Although retired, he still helped Winton on the farm, was active in Square Dancing, and had a long project list of challenges he still wanted to complete. The success of his grandchildren, Rina, Jessica and Rachelle (Winton and Angie’s), and David, Miranda, Ryan, and Jenny (Dinah and Doug’s) has been a great source of pride. The arrival of his seven great-grandchildren has been nothing short of joy to his heart, and he loved to play with them. Unfortunately, Bill’s heart was broken on November 14, 2015, with the sudden passing of his youngest son, Winton. Bill has been a strength and support for Isabell during the many years of her illnesses. His distinctive voice, booming laugh, and infectious enthusiasm will be sorely missed. The Funeral Service was held at Rockglen Community Hall on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 1:30 pm. and officiated by Rev. Marilyn Leuty. A Tribute was given by Bill’s daughter Dinah. Music Ministry by Bill’s granddaughter Rina Schmidt included the hymn, “In The Garden”. Pallbearers were David Almond, Ron Gelowitz, Cody Hansen, Curtis Hansen, Ryan Henry, Rory Van De Kamp and Mike Gelowsky. Interment was in Rockglen Municipal Cemetery. Donations were gratefully accepted for the Rockglen Health Care Auxiliary Memorial Fund for the Grasslands Health Center. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18