Lionel will be dearly missed. He was the most positive person and cared so much for those around him. While appearing quite sometimes and content to be so, once you got him on a topic he was passionate about he would happily chit chat away and dive as deep into it as you wanted to. He much loved his sisters and family and found purpose in fulfilling places. I speak for many too in saying he found a lot of fulfillment and friendship at work. 

I recall one dinner we were chatting about his "pumpkin" projects and how he had heard about these microcontrollers. He was thinking of trying one for the next event (this was probably thanksgiving - he started planning a year out). We connected on this and I mentioned I had a couple things and he should come pick what he wants. With some convincing to freely take components to try out, agreeing that he could return whatever wasn't used, he was off to the races learning a brand new and challanging skill (at 60-something!). I had the pleasure of getting video updates each step of the way in his build process. In true Lionel fashion, the short clips were fun and full of energy - similar to the thoughtful and gracious messages he often shared. Most probably saw the impressive projects that followed. He did return whatever parts weren't used. But in his kindness, of course, I was gifted much more back - tons of a variety of electronics that he acquired in the process or got extra of to share.

I'm grateful he found passions he loved to pursue, had people he loved to care for, and made a positive impact on manys lives. We will miss you Lionel!

Today the world is a little dimmer, Lionel Schmitchen passed away January 6th. He was my Friend and shone brightly 😢 I have known Lionel for many years as a business partner and more importantly a True Friend. He was always there for me, in the worst of times and best. He was the smartest man i knew, a genius in his field IT and Electronic's. His quirky sense of humor always made me smile 😁 His friendship was unconditional if he called you Friend. He would go the extra mile just to show you what being his friend ment. Like taking 3 months to build you something special with his hands for an occasion in your life. I learned more about life from this man then most. I am humbled that he called me Friend. The world is a little dimmer. Keep Shining Lionel you are in a better place and now have ALL the Answers 😃 I will think of you often My Friend!  As Always ✌️& ❤️

Lionel to me has always been the quiet but steady older brother to his beloved sisters. I’m so sorry for your loss but honoured to have known him.  Here’s to you Lionel❣️ With love, Holly (Mayall) Doolan

Lionel had a way of  bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. For me, I’d laugh out loud at times, especially in the Fitbit Bingo challenge a few years back where he often made some goofy comments. He was quick with  a joke and he was a fierce competitor!  😊 

He also has the best Facebook profile photo ever! It must be his love of tech and AI.

I think of Lionel when I pass his apartment building on 17th Ave. and always will. It’s so sad he’s gone at a young age.   Hard to believe. 

Sincerest condolences to all the extended Schmitchen family. 💕 🤗 😢

I had the pleasure of working with Lionel for close to 15 years at RCR. What an incredible human being, truly in a league of his own.

Lionel arrived with us with a few scrapes and bruises from his past. From day one he was excited and positive. He touched many within our organization and I don't believe I have ever heard one person ever say a single negative thing about him. That's rare, more than rare, but so deserved.

Lionel would always lend a hand with anything you asked. He was also given many difficult, almost "impossible" tasks to do and each time he would approach them with the same vigor, the same excitement to get started, and the same determination to see it done. You could count on Lionel.

Lionel wasn't just about business. One day I was telling him about my daughter's car and how I needed to get it back running but couldn't get it in the shop for a few days. Immediately it was "can I help." He drove down to the SE just to lend encouragement and be a part of it on a cold February Sunday. Lionel was that guy.

I had the opportunity to spend some time outside of the office with Lionel as well. Periodically we'd go take in a movie. Lionel always had that same glimmer in his eye, that same youthful excitement any time we spent time together.

Lionel took over the company pumpkin carving contest to the point where we'll have to name it after him - we already basically do. No content to paint a pumpkin or glue on some contraption Lionel began to build machines around the pumpkin, games, finally a dedicated pumpkin pinball machine from 3D printed parts and Arduino micro controllers with lights and sound. 

Lionel started his foray into AI with some small projects we worked on but took it much further in his personal pursuits. To the very end Lionel believed it was a great day when you could learn something new and would light up telling us about his latest Amazon deliveries and what he was going to do with them.

Lionel was a rare gem who will be missed.

I am beyond sad to hear of Lionels passing. He was the sweetest man and I always enjoyed our little chats. My sincere condolences to all his family.  He will truly be missed ❤️

OBITUARY

Lionel Jesse Schmitchen

19 September, 1955 – 6 January, 2026

South Calgary Funeral Centre and Crematorium

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