William "Bill" Edward Schmidt

Passed away peacefully August 14, 2013. Bill was born July 9, 1941 in Vancouver, B.C. to Joe and Hilda Schmidt. Following his parents’ divorce, Bill was also cared for by his aunt Perle. After starting school, the day Bill learned how to read was the day that set him off on his life-long love of books. Anyone who knew Bill knew he always had the next good book at hand. Bill developed an early interest in the military and as soon as he was old enough, joined the B.C. Regiment (DCO) Cadet Corps. Bill spent every summer at the Vernon Cadet Military Camp where the training he received reinforced his values of integrity, discipline and doing the right thing. Bill’s intelligence and common sense moved him forward in cadet leadership roles and his experiences left him with lifelong friendships and loyalty to his regiment. Growing up Bill helped his father with their garden and often reminisced about how they would fish, smelt and dig clams. After high school he enrolled at UBC and graduated with a BA in history. He then continued into Law School at UBC becoming a lawyer and going into private practice. He was truly interested in his area of law, excited about going into partnership, and always determined to do the best he could with his professional skills. Along the way, Bill in his generosity continuously supported countless charities. One of his proudest was support of his regiment’s youth pipe band. After 40 years in practice, Bill retired January 2012. Bill was devoted to his family, friends and clients. With calmness, good judgment, an even-handed view of human nature, and a sense of humor, Bill always was there to listen and lend a practical helping hand. Bill loved a good story and we won’t forget his deep laugh. Nothing can provide better evidence for Bill’s genuinely kind and caring personality than his many long, strong relationships. Bill’s declining health after retirement progressively stopped him from doing many things, but Bill was Bill, and up until the day he passed away, Bill still wanted to know how his visitors were doing and what was going on in their lives. Bill’s passing leaves an immense hole for those who loved him. Bill is survived by his sister and brother in law, Marilyn and Marty Hemmann, niece Gale and nephew William, all of Olympia, Washington, one uncle on his father’s side, Godfrey Schmidt (Betty) of Yorkton, S.K. He is also survived by many cousins on both sides of his family. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 29 2013 at 2 pm at Henderson's Funeral Home - 20786 Fraser Hwy., Langley, B.C. Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association in William’s name would be greatly appreciated.