Eddie Schmidt

Eddie was born on August the 2nd 1934 in Talhofen, East Prussia to August and Pauline Schmidt. He was the 4th oldest child out of 4 brothers and 5 sisters. During the war the family fled to West Germany and settled into Lubeck. In 1955, he immigrated with his family to farm in Alberta where shortly after they moved to Vancouver. His time was spent working in construction, bowling, playing his guitar and soccer. Eddie also sang in the Alpen Club Choir, where he would poke a beautiful young lady named Gisela with his umbrella. This young lady became his wife on April 28, 1962. Eddie and Gisela raised their 3 daughters Mona, Karen, and Lori in the home they purchased in Vancouver.

Lots of great memories were made with the extended family gatherings which included many intense soccer games. Many Sunday afternoons became family time which were always filled with adventures. Some of these adventures included climbing the rocks at lighthouse park, walking through Stanley park zoo, traveling around Lynn canyon for a short hike or wandering through Van Dusen gardens to look at all the plants... or even just playing Uno or watching old family movies when the weather would not cooperate.

Many enjoyable memories were made with his family watching him play soccer.

He was an active member at St Marks Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, attended men's breakfast, and was always available to help serve when needed.

Eddie's love for gardening started with him picking at Gisela's plants in the kitchen. This led to a new hobby that grew into him building a greenhouse, with each subsequent greenhouse growing in size with the many varieties of plants from everywhere he had travelled.

Eddie was an avid soccer fan, either watching European soccer on tv or playing for the Alpen Club and Old Timers soccer teams. He was always ready for a game. He also enjoyed playing pool in the basement with anyone that was willing to lose a game. Bike Riding was also another pass time of Eddies If Gisela came downstairs and his bike was not in its place she knew that he was riding around Stanley Park and 1 time around was never enough.

Eddie gave his blessing in 1985 when Mona married Norm Ickert as well as in 1989 when Karen married Richard Tesch

In 1986 he was blessed by his first grandchild Stefanie followed by Christopher, Leah, and Danae. Opa always enjoyed his time with his grandchildren. He had a special relationship with each one of them. Some notable memories included soccer time in the basement until someone started to cry, fighting over Opa's chair, or simply going to the park or beach with him.

It was a challenging time for the family when Eddie developed Alzheimer's in his early 70's. He spent the last three and a half years of his life living at the German Canadian home.

The family used to have many discussions around the dinner table and it always ended with one of the kids saying "Dad, you think you know it all!" But dad would always say, "When I know it all I will be in heaven with my Lord".

So dad, I guess you really do know it all now.

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Eddie passed away in Vancouver at of the age of 79. He went to be with The Lord to be reunited with his daughter Mona and many loved ones in heaven. Eddie will be remembered by his loving wife Gisela of 51 years, daughters Karen (Richard) and Lori, son in law Norm and grandchildren, Stefanie, Christopher, Leah and Danae. He will also be greatly missed by many family and friends. Many thanks to the great care givers at the German Canadian Home. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at 2 pm at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, 14831 28th Avenue, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eddie's memory may be made to the German Canadian Care Home or St. Marks Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre, Surrey, BC.