Melvin Kenneth Schmidt
April 8, 1934 – October 14, 2021
Melvin Kenneth Schmidt of Kamloops died October 14, 2021, at Royal Inland Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his loving wife Thelma (Stewart) and daughter Melva (Marvin) Herman and son Donald (Kevin) Schmidt, along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a great great grandchild.
Mel was born April 8, 1934, on the family farm in Chinook Cove north of Barriere, on property that is now the Chinook Cove Golf Club. His parents were Agda (Rosen) Schmidt of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, and Ernst Schmidt of Germany. He was predeceased by siblings Ruth, Agda, Ernie, and Allan and is survived by brother Ted of Kamloops and sister Joanne Ottewell of Delta, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He moved to Victoria in 1959, and Crofton in 1964, where he worked at the pulp mill until retiring in 1995. At that time he and Thelma opened and operated Clean Warmth Services in Westholme. In 2008 they moved to Barriere and more recently Kamloops.
Mel was passionate about many things in life: hockey, hunting, fishing, camping, and generally enjoying the outdoors. He had a fierce passion for social justice and was a member of the CCF/NDP since 1952.
The family offers their most sincere thanks to the hardworking staff at the Cancer Clinic, Royal Inland Hospital, ambulance workers and first responders, all who provided amazing care with compassion and humor despite being overworked by the influx of unvaccinated patients.
Donations can be made to Kamloops South Thompson NDP , online at https://act.bcndp.ca/donate/kas, or to the Church of St Paul, Box 421, Barriere, BC, V0R 1E0.
Know that someone in heaven has already been summoned to a cribbage game and is being taught how to set the world right.
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Debbie Postle
Thelma and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I just read in the local paper of mel’s passing. He was a wonderful person and I will miss you and mel’s visits to the Cowichan valley. Take care of yourself and I will keep in touch through email. If you ever want to talk call me at 250-246-4881.
Warm regards
Deb Postle
Tom HENRY
It’s a sad day when you hear of a good friend’s passing. I think of Mel and remember good times, then I think of his family and I feel their loss. I worked with “get me a bigger hammer Mel” at the Mill, in the Power and Recovery. He took me on my first moose hunting trip. Mel sold us our Harmon Pellet stove. I believe he was a good man, a friend and I am better for knowing him. Saying all this I never could understand his fondness for International Trucks. Thelma, I am so sorry, for your loss. Melva and Don your Dad was admired, respected, and genuinely liked. I’m remembering a happier time but very much aware one of the good ones, is missing from the folding chair around the campfire.
Lee Walsh
Melva (Melba Toast) saw your dad’s notice in the local cowichan valley paper. Sorry to hear of your loss. It’s hard to lose a parent, a piece of us go with them. Remembering the periodic visits your mom and dad made to you in Victoria at the restaurant we worked at together. Take Care, Lee & Jim, W.