Leslie Arnold Schmidt

If there is a word for dad’s character it would be steadfast! Born a decade before the Great Depression  (1920) he came by this word through faith, hard work and necessity! He grew up on 160 acres of homestead land in Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, which he would tearfully tell you was purchased for $10.00. Being born into a large family meant there was never a dull moment and always lots of activity. They were their own baseball team, as well as a work-crew that helped them survive these difficult years. A chilling memory is the frequent walks to the outhouse in 30 - 40 below zero fahrenheit. The Eaton’s catalogue served a dual purpose in the outhouse, one of which was looking at all the beautiful articles and people. Their mixed farm focused on crops of grain, extensive gardens, 15 milk cows, a dozen or more pigs and chickens, as well as 50-100 pigeons. Dad and his brother Ben delivered the milk to Dalmeny by wagon in the summer and sled in the winter… no matter what the weather!

Sunday’s were special and usually provided a much needed rest. As the Jewish saying goes, “Remember the Sabbath to keep it boring!” Sunday services were attended using a horse drawn cart called the Bennett Wagon. Eventually they had a car. If there wasn’t a Sunday evening service they spent the evening singing and playing games. Dad always loved his games and you could always tell when he had a good hand… he’d repeatedly tap on the table! His singing career started at the age of 10 when he sang solos at special church services once a month. For years he sang in various gospel quartets and choirs.

He was an excellent student, completing grades 1 & 2 and then 7 & 8 in a year. In 1934 the family left most everything behind and began anew in BC. Sadly, Dad left school after grade 10 to work on the new farm. The family survived by working 12+ hour days tending the farm and doing building construction.

While he spoke about a childhood faith experience, at 18 his re-dedicated faith in Christ led to his baptism and was followed by two years of winter Bible School in Abbotsford and Yarrow. During this time he met Mary whom he describes in his autobiography as “a beautiful young lady.” That beauty held his affection to his dying day! Courting was reserved for Sunday’s, which made for a very long week of hard work! However the courting was interrupted by World War II.

From April 1941 - May 1943 he served his country as a conscientious objector, supervising and building forestry camps in remote parts off Vancouver Island near Campbell River. While this was a time of hard work and separation from family, it was also a time rich in relationships and experience. He so often talked about these years!

Mom and he married in the South Abbotsford Church on October 21, 1944. He had purchased a small acreage on McCallum Rd with funds saved and borrowed from his father… “got the 10 acres for $1800.00!” Garry, then Sharon, Rick, Don and Debbie were all born four years apart…to the Sunday afternoon! The life we all knew with mom and dad happened after this. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and mentored many a future leader in his infamous boys clubs. His work with Mutual Life began in 1957 and provided new opportunities and financial security.

Life has been filled with hard work, many moves, wonderful vacations, a broad diversity of travel, and a world that became increasingly large and diverse! Love, hospitality, prayer, hard work and steadfastness continued to rule his life until his quiet passing in MSA hospital last Wednesday morning, October 28, 2015!

He will be remembered as a man of prayer and hospitality, faithfully honouring all the birthdays of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While occasionally he was anxious about the future we were living into, he remained a steadfast and faithful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He looked forward to every day even as he longed to join his beloved Mary and beloved Jesus! He had a good life! He was a good man! We will miss him greatly! He is a significant part of each of us!

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.