100 - Switzerland
Gernot Willy, “Oldy” Schinzig, Basel, Switzerland, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 11, 2010 after living to the spectacular age of 100.
He was born in Freiburg, Germany on October 24, 1910 to Willy and Gertrude Schinzig. He worked as a typesetter and typographer for the Baslerzeitung. He spent many late nights ensuring the news was accurate, retiring at age 75. He continued to read the paper daily until very recently. He reluctantly fought for his country in the Second World War. He was captured in Normandy, France in 1945. He embraced his American captors who transferred him to a POW camp in Scotland where he was well cared for until 1948. An avid outdoorsman, he made his home in Switzerland where he hoped to never face war again. He met and married Sonja Bachlin in 1955. They raised two sons together, creating many wonderful memories in the Swiss Alps, in Spain and in later years by the shores of the Bras D’or Lakes, in Cape George, Cape Breton. He was greatly pleased to celebrate his one hundredth birthday two weeks ago. He was well enough to enjoy a glass of champagne and a piece of black forest cake. May we all live such a full life.
He is survived by his sons, Martin (Natalie), Schinzig, Paris, and Michael (Mary-Anne) Schinzig, Sydney. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Annas, Hannah, Connor and Patrick.
He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Sonja Bachlin, his brother, Werner and sisters, Grimhild and Olga.
There will be no visitation for the late Mr. Schinzig. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, November 14, in T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice. On-line condolences may be made at TWCurry.com.
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