Kenneth Adam Schmidt

Kenneth Adam Schmidt, age 88, of Scarborough, Ontario passed away on Thursday, February 17, 2022. Kenneth was born January 14, 1934 in Pine Ridge, Manitoba. Ken is survived by his beloved wife Mary, two sisters Louisa and Evelyn and three children Sandra (Bill), Darrin (Tina) and Trevor. He will be missed by his grandchildren Marco (Alex) and Daniele (Chris) and his great grandchildren Ethan, Eva, Zoe, Owen and Sophia. Ken is predeceased by his parents William and Wilhelmina, and his siblings Beatrix, Lorne, Elsie and Ernie.

Farm life was hard, especially during the War. Everything was done by hand and back-breaking work. His German last name drew the bullying of classmates. He was not raised in the church, but he would sit in the attic, reading his mother's Bible on Sundays. His father didn't want Ken to attend high school, because he thought that Ken belonged on the farm.

However, the young scholar was determined to find a career. He studied hard at high school, missing the first month every year to help with the potato harvest. After completing Grade 12 in Winnipeg with his sister, Evelyn, Ken's brother Ernie took him to sign up for the Canadian Air Force. When his buddies in the Air Force complained about the food they were given, Ken replied that two choices of hot meals was amazing compared to the simple food on the farm. Through the witness of his friend, Warren King, he came to saving faith in Jesus Christ in his early twenties.

Ken married Audrey at age 21. He was always thankful for the Lord's provisions, and went without to protect his family. But times were hard, and he suffered the loss of three young children, two in a house fire. He overcame financial bankruptcy, and raised both Sandy and Darin on his own.

Ken had a ten year stint with the Canadian Air Force before a lifelong career with the CBC as a maintenance technician, where he spent long hours setting up and repairing the TV wiring for shows. He was often assigned to special projects, like the yearly golf tournament at Glen Abbey, and the Montreal Olympics in 1976.

Ken was introduced to Mary through his friend Gordon Kent. They married when he was 40 years of age. By the time Trevor was born, Darin was 15 years old, and Sandy, daddy's girl, was a young lady of 20 years. Ken brought his family to Faith Baptist Church and proceeded to help with all of the handyman things - a project he continued for decades. Ken was always keen on Christian broadcasting, helping at Crossroads 100 Huntley Street during CBC strikes. He worked diligently at CBC, until one day in 1990, he suffered a significant stroke. He went on disability pension until retirement.

His hobbies included active church participation where he maintained the sound systems and extensive maintenance to his own property. He loved to putter through stores, looking for bargains, anything from second-hand electronics to cheap jewelry for his wife. It was a charming aspect of his personality.

Whenever discouraged, Ken would remind us to count our blessings, trust the Lord and "stop complaining!"

Although contact between Ken and his extended family lessened over time, he always kept his brothers and sisters in his prayers. His greatest wish was that all of his family would come to Christ. His compassion and love for those that were hurting always shone through. He always encouraged us, even when we were down. Now his work on earth is over, and he's with his Savior.

Romans 3:22 - 25

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [mercy seat] through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.

Visitation will be held at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. A funeral service for Kenneth will be held at Faith Baptist Church the following day at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 26, 2022. A burial is to follow on Monday February 28,2022 12:30pm at Burlington Memorial Gardens in Burlington ON. All services will be livestreamed, and accessible by clicking the link below. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canadian Bible Society or to Gideon Bibles.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Schmidt family.