Obituary of Winfried (Winnie) Schmidt

February 29, 1948 to January 26, 2023

Peacefully, Winnie passed away in his sleep on January 26, 2023, 1 month before his 75^th birthday.  Winnie was predeceased by his brother, Gerhard ‘Curley’ Schmidt and his sister Shirley Schmidt and his nephew Matthew Decristoforo.  Survived by his mother Katharina ‘Kay’ or ‘Oma’ Pepin (Alfred ‘Opa’ Pepin), brother Uwe ‘Hughie’ Schmidt (Francine ‘Frankie’  Germain) and sister Kristie ‘KiKi’ (Charles Joanisse).  He was a loving uncle to Stephani Schmidt and Cassandra Decristoforo.  Winnie was formerly married to Bonnie Schmidt (David Bonhower), loving mother of Warren and Ryan.  Bonnie has remained a loving part of our family, and Winnie always respected her role as mother of his boys.

Beloved husband of Linda Schmidt (nee:  Delorme), this would have been the celebration of their 38^th anniversary, in August. He was a loving father to Tracey Evans, Beverley Schmidt, Warren Schmidt (Jennifer Anderson), Ryan (Kimberly Wolfgang) Schmidt and April Schmidt (BFF Erik Jensen); Late in life stepfather of Barry Atkinson; loving  grandfather of Haven Steffler (Matthew), Hailey Simms, Gracey Summerhayes and TJ Summerhayes; Kaylin Schmidt and Sidney Schmidt; Katharina ‘Katie’ Schmidt; Hannah Schmidt, Noah Schmidt and Ava Schmidt; Late in life step-grandfather of Cassandra Rea-Atkinson (Stephane Nadon).  He was a loving great-grandfather of Scarlett Steffler and late in life great-grandfather of Celena, Spencer, and Conrad Nadon.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Bruce Delorme (Jane Cummings); his nieces and nephew Amanda (Matt), Andrew (Lacey) and Kelly-Anne and their children.

Winnie had two loves in his life: his work and his family.  He highly valued his friendships; and enjoyed being in the same room with his family and friends.  He was a listener.  Occasionally he became engaged as a communicator within a group; but, more likely he would be the one listening quietly.  He had a way of looking at each person who was communicating, and his face would always have a quiet smile.  He truly loved his family. He was a quiet, kind and gentle man. 

He was the contractor who always brought coffee to the job site.  He took great pride in his work, and always took the time to explain to clients, the reason for any recommendations. 

With his parents and brothers, he came to Canada in May of 1959 from Germany.  Canada was his home.  He was the type of person who left a lasting impression with anyone he met, not because he was big in personality, but because he was big in love.  He will be so missed by so many.  The support that we have received tells the story of how loved he was, and how much he’ll be missed.

We would like to thank Reverend Jennifer Power for all her help and support.

A Celebration of Life wil be held at Britannia United Church, 985 Pinecrest Road, Ottawa on Wednesday, March 1^st, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served after the service.  This is being held on Winnie’s alternate birthday (March 1^st) to make this a true Celebration of Life.