Obituary of Gordon Schmidt

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Walter Schmidt, long time resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia.  Gord passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, with family by his side.

He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Jan, and his 2 children, Lee (Patrick) Tutin and Greg (Jody) Schmidt. He was also the proud grandfather to Steele and Tymber Schram and Tyler and Russ Schmidt.

Gord was born on Saturday, June 11, 1938, in Vancouver, British Columbia to parents Carl and Leila Schmidt and was raised there, graduating from Kitsilano High School in 1956, a school that Louis Armstrong performed at many times.

 He moved to Dawson Creek in 1966, being transferred as the manager of Household Finance. He thought he would give Dawson Creek a chance for 6 months before returning back to the coast. However, once he returned to the coast, he realized how much he missed Dawson and he couldn’t wait to return once an offer came in to manage a Law Firm. He made Dawson Creek his home from then on.

He met Jan in 1969 and they were married in the spring of ’72. They purchased an acreage outside of Pouce Coupe where they had a unique collection of animals. In 1976 they purchased a quarter section of land and continued with a small cattle operation. They raised their two children on the farm and spent many weekends “hunting” for firewood and taking care of the animals. Gord took up downhill skiing at the age of 50 and then family time was spent at the ski hill with an annual trip to Jasper. Gord also loved spending summers on his boat towing everyone on water skis and tubes. Gord loved to travel, experience different cultures and meet new people. The most memorable of all his travels was a 120-day World Cruise in 2018.

Gord worked as the Manager of Court Services for over 30 years before retiring in 2001. After retirement he dabbled in a few jobs from his “Country Kitchen” Food Truck to trailer maintenance at Foster’s RV before he landed at Bear Mountain Ski Hill where he volunteered his time for 13 years. He found his true calling at Bear Mountain Ski Hill, the patrons and skiers enjoyed Gord as much as he enjoyed them.

During his final years, Gord frequented local restaurants for lunch almost every day and made sure to visit grocery stores often to report on any good sales on prime rib (his favorite meal). He loved to cook and host big family meals.

No formal service will be held at Gord’s request. A private family Celebration of Life for Gord will be held at a later date.  For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Gord to the Bear Mountain Ski Hill, PO Box 807, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, V1G 4H8, with proceeds directed towards helping kids learn to ski.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium