Mike Scholz

Peter Michael Scholz’s story began in Berlin, Germany. He was born on June 19, 1940 to the parents of Kurt Peter and Erna Scholz and older brother Jurgen. He spent his childhood in Berlin and once he became a teenager, trained there to become a chef of French cuisine. Upon completing his training at age 17, Mike left his hometown and moved to Vancouver, Canada. He began to make a life for himself there, working at first at the Flight Kitchen of Canadian Pacific Airlines, then the Bayshore Inn. He met his soon-to-be wife, Inge, at the German Club, courtesy of introductions by Gisela (Inge’s sister) and Eddie Schmidt. The two were married in 1962, and later that year, their eldest son, Bernie, was born.

Mike once again moved to a new country, the United States, to start a new adventure; this time alongside his young family. In California, Mike and Inge built a strong foundation that would carry them through their lives. Their youngest son, Steve, was born in 1966, completing the Scholz family. Mike’s chef career took off during this time. He initially worked as the Chef at the Hyatt House Hotel in Palo Alto, California. Then, he became the Head of Food and Services for Pan Am Airlines in San Francisco. Finally, he was a chef at the highly esteemed French restaurant in Carmel - The Marquis. In 1973, the couple made the decision to move back to Canada and leave California after over a decade there, marking the start of another new chapter.

Back in Delta, Canada, Mike had various ventures in his profession, but he and Inge recognised the importance of raising a family, and he prioritised being home on the weekends and spending time with his growing boys. Mike ended up going into meat sales to restaurants and hotels and worked for a few different companies before joining Newton Hi-Quality meats and becoming a partner with Peter Steinfeld. This job did him well and was meaningful work. He flourished as he was a natural salesman and knew the food world so well that he would be in the kitchen showing owners and chefs how to make special dishes from certain meat cuts. Some of his favourite clients included Walter and Peter at Fresgo Inn, the Hildebrandt’s from Ricky’s and many others.

Canada became the place they started being a part of communities and Mike and Inge started attending St. Mark’s Lutheran - a German-speaking church in Vancouver. They became Christians and made lifelong friendships there that to this day are a blessing. Mike became involved with the Church board and various ministries. He would also be an active member of his neighborhood, acting as the treasurer in their strata at Birch Arbor. Mike and Inge moved to White Rock in 1984 and attended Peace Portal Alliance church shortly after that. Here, he was an Usher for many years and part of the Life after 50 group, as well as home groups. He was a man who was very generous and gentle in his demeanor.

Mike had numerous interests and together with Inge did much travelling. They would frequent visits to Germany and stayed connected to family there. Mike and Inge spent time together cycling on daytrips, playing tennis, and eventually moving on to becoming pickleball stars. When they weren’t outside being active, Mike and Inge also enjoyed entertaining, often inviting friends and family over for a delicious meals and cozy company. His passion for food shone through during these events, and his appreciation for food would trickle down to some of his children and grandchildren as well. Everyone who knew Mike probably recognised he was a big soccer fan. In years past, he liked to watch his sons’ play soccer, then to watching his grandkids, he enjoyed the Vancouver Whitecaps and their earlier years with the cup run, and travelled to Germany to see both

the Men’s World Cup in 2006 and Women’s in 2011. At family gatherings, he was a committed player on the field. Mike had a playful side, and often entertained his grandchildren with card games or his harmonica skills when they visited. He loved his grandkids Corban (Cammy), Aubrey, Caroline, Malia (Jordie), Davis (Shaelah), and Delaney (Max).

On August 19, 2025, Mike peacefully left his beloved wife, Inge, to be with our Lord and Saviour.