Mr. Hartmut Wolfgang Schmidt

Hartmut (Hart) Wolfgang Schmidt, 85, of Burnaby, British Columbia, passed away at home on September 6, 2025. Born to Wolfgang Walter Schmidt and Klara Winterhoff Schmidt in Leipzig, Germany, on December 7, 1939, Hart was the oldest of three children. The family immigrated to Montreal in 1951 and then to Vancouver in 1956. Hart spent his early adulthood in the interior of B.C. working various ranching jobs as well as for the department of highways. Hart’s spirit of adventure and zest for life fueled his mastery of western style horse riding, small aircraft piloting, sail boating, and all-around pioneering.

Settling down in Burnaby, Hart graduated from UBC in 1972 with a degree in Physics. Hart met the love of his life, Masa Baba, through a mutual friend. They married in June, 1973, and had two sons, Wilfried and Walter. Hart treasured the time he spent with his family camping, sailing, sport shooting, and playing hockey with the boys.

Hart applied his keen intellect to all aspects of his life. He was thorough and meticulous, a perfectionist who prided himself on “getting it right”, no matter what the job. Though conservative in nature, Hart was always eager to explore new ideas and often played devil’s advocate. He was also a raconteur who enjoyed sharing a laugh and a story during larger family gatherings. Hart loved to spend time with his family on their property in the rugged wilderness of the Cariboo.

Those who knew Hart will miss his wry wit, breadth of knowledge, unique perspective, and energetic enthusiasm for discovery.

Hart is survived by his wife of 52 years, Masa, his son Wilfried (Colleen) of Coquitlam, his son Walter (Priscilla) of Burnaby, his grandson Henri of Coquitlam, and his sisters Gertraud Irvine and Maria Balentine. Hart will be missed by his cousins and his nephews and nieces in Canada, Germany, Japan, and the USA.

Memorial plans pending.