Edwin Gordon Schindel

Edwin was born on August 21, 1933 in a farmhouse in Melville, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth out of an eventual 12 children: Viola, Ester, Reuben (deceased 1988) Lillian, Elmer, Linda (deceased 2014), Norman, Milton, Garry, Ivan, and, Butch. In 1955 Ed was involved to a motor vehicle accident in Nelson, B.C. resulting in a long period of recovery, and a life of chronic pain. Despite the dim outlook of these events, this brought Ed to Vancouver where he met the love of his life Joyce. They married in 1958 and had two daughters, Lisa in 1965 and Tracey in 1968.

In 1968, Ed and his brother bought a printing company, Printcraft. They worked tremendously hard to create a successful and rewarding business, and a loving and secure home for their families.

Despite a quiet demeanor, Ed had a clever sense of humor and a dry wit. He was incredibly humble with his accomplishments, and generous with all he owned. He would quietly help those in need, without any desire for either recognition or praise. He supported his family at every turn, especially his children and grandchildren, and could always be relied on. His joy was in giving to others. He grew closer with his family each day.

In 1994, Ed and Joyce moved to White Rock to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Their five grandchildren, Ashley, Britney, Cameron, Kaitlyn and Eric loved spending time at Nana and Papa's. Growing up, they spent a great deal of time at their home including weeks during the summer which they called 'Camp Nana's'. Watching the children grow and being a part of the their lives brought Ed immense joy.

Ed was deeply devoted to his wife Joyce; she was his world. He was always happy just sitting with her, allowing her to be the social chatterbox. When Joyce became ill with Alzheimer’s, he stayed by her side, continually talking to her, kissing her hand, and repeating how much he loved her each day. They remained inseparable until the end of his life.

Most of all Ed loved God. He remained strong in his faith until to his last day. When faced with adversity he would remind us that, "his reward will be in Heaven" and joke that when he got to heaven he would "finally be able to waterski."

Ed spent his last few years coping with his wife's illness and his own deteriorating health, and rarely complained. He was grateful for the life he had, surrounded by his family. We find immense comfort in the fact that he is now with God, surrounded by his family and friends, and is no longer is pain.

Edwin Gordon Schindel passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2015 at the age of 81. Ed lived his life selflessly, touching countless lives through his generosity. He will be remembered for his compassion towards others, and his devotion towards his family and faith. He will be dearly missed.