Heinz Martin Schmidt, born April 20, 1928, passed away on March 24, 2024 with his family by his side. He was in the thoughts and prayers of many; both near and far. He is survived by his children Alexandra, Margaret (Franz), and Susan, and grandchildren Petra and Mattias as well as many close relatives in Germany including Renate (Adolf), Inge (Lutz), Luise (Manfred) and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Heinz was born in Germany and spent much time on his Uncle Paul’s farm where he developed a love for horses; after school completion he started an apprenticeship with a forester. He hoped to be a forester in Germany one day, but World War II changed that plan. He left for Canada in 1955 and made his way to northern Ontario where he could work in forestry. Heinz met his future wife, Alice/Alicia, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and they later lived in Geraldton and Nipigon, raising three children.
Heinz was woodlands manager for the local plywood mill and Alice was a registered nurse. Starting in 1962, Heinz also ran a business that planted 27 million trees in northern Ontario. In 1995, Heinz and Alice began spending part of each year in North Vancouver, British Columbia, staying with their daughter Margaret and enjoying time with their grandchildren and their other two daughters, Alexandra and Susan. Alice passed away in 2012 and Heinz permanently moved to North Vancouver in 2020.
Heinz loved the outdoors. He especially enjoyed riding his horse Lady, spending time in the forest, tending his woodlots, swimming in lakes and rivers, and going for long daily walks in rain, snow or shine. He is remembered for his determination and persistence, his droll sense of humour, his great sense of adventure, and that he never forgot to thank the people around him for their support. A gathering was held to celebrate Heinz’s life on April 20, 2024. Heinz’s ashes will be interred beside his wife Alice’s ashes, at the Columbarium at St Pius X church in North Vancouver.
