John Joseph Schlitt

Joe was born January 22nd 1929, the eldest of seven, in Regina Saskatchewan to immigrant parents. His first job as a child was selling the Regina Leader-Post for 5 cents a newspaper. In later childhood, the family moved to Prince George to farm, living in the Buckhorn area. Joe worked in the family business – Schlitt Bros Sawmill in George Creek and then up in Finley Forks on Williston Lake. Joe became an excellent heavy-duty mechanic and mentor to other mechanics and worked for some time at Prince George Truck & Equipment before branching out and starting his own field service business – J J Field Service. He specialized in rebuilding Detroit diesel engines and marine transmissions, servicing machinery and tugboats all over the north in all kinds of weather, often with one of his sons in tow.

After retiring from mechanics at the young age of 81, Joe busied himself at home full time, both in his yard and in his kitchen. He was an avid gardener and landscaper and was a member of the David Douglas Botanical Society. Joe was especially talented in inventing and fabricating tooling to use in garden features that made life easier for him. He loved all the wild animals that visited his beautiful yard, especially the foxes and the birds, which he kept fed, happy and singing songs of praise year around.

Joe excelled in his culinary pursuits after Heidi passed away as he was then allowed in the kitchen. He was well known for his wholesome bread, carrot cake, cookies and strudel and, when his oven wasn't available, would even use his BBQ to bake. Family dinners were a highlight for him as he loved his family and enjoyed the sharing of good food and amusing banter.

Joe was blessed, living a long healthy life due to his daily consumption of garlic, chilies and honey. He was an active church member and enjoyed the fellowship and grounding of his faith, where he forged life-long friendships. He loved to study the scriptures and took on learning Hebrew in his 80's. He imparted his love, skills and knowledge of mechanics, outdoors, rock collecting, practical jokes, beach-combing, fishing, food, gardening, art and birds to his children, neighbours and friends. The legacy of these joyful life experiences has also been passed onto his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Joe peacefully left this realm after a short stint with cancer and, up until a few months ago, was still driving, snow blowing and getting in trouble for climbing up ladders to get onto his roof. Joe was predeceased by his wife Heidemarie; grandson Isaiah; sisters Evelyn and Dorothy; brother Donny; and his parents John and Elizabeth. His legacy lives on in his brothers Herb (Margaret) and Fred; sister Hedy (Dale) ; cousin Olive; children Linda (Cliff), Elaine (Terry), Eric (Angela), Silvia (Al) and Andy (Tanja); grandchildren Charmaine, Norman, Jennifer (Greg), Melissa (Jason), Teisha (Ritchie), Isaac (Adalia), Dylan, Cheven and Kyrija (Andrew); great-grandchildren Athena, Hera, Isadora, Georgia, Nicolas, Jake, Alexsandros, Zoë, Juniper and Wesson; numerous nieces and nephews, including Alex and Michael; and Michael (Francesca), who he was a surrogate father to.

Special thanks and gratitude to the entire team of health care professionals UNHBC (from the paramedics, ER nurses and doctors to his palliative care aides and nurses), to Dr. Boutcher and to care aides, nurses and other staff at Prince George Hospice – he was so grateful and appreciative of your compassion and care, as was our family. Thank you to all friends and family, who were able to visit in person, by phone or video chat to say your goodbyes – it meant so much to him.

Every time you see a woodpecker or fox, find a cool rock or sit by a fire, think of Joe and smile. Most of all, know that being kind has a profound effect on those around you. Shalom mein Papa

Please join us for a Celebration of Life for Joe Schlitt on July 2nd, 2022 in his garden at 7937 Toombs Drive. It will be open house style from 11 - 5 pm and will have a ceremony for him starting at 1 pm. We will provide an assortment of sausages with buns and drinks. We ask, if your in town, to bring either salad, dessert, snacks or appies ~ potluck style. Although we will have plenty of chairs, we ask you to bring a folding chair if you have one. We ask that you park on the street so those with mobility issues can use the driveway for easier access.

Please share with those you know who may have known Joe to get the word around. We're hoping for good weather but will have sheltered places set up and a fire going.

Any questions please contact me. If you cannot make it but would like to write up a favorite memory or tribute to Joe please send to my email [email protected].