Edmund Philipp Schwarz

Our Dad, Opa and husband, Edmund Philipp Schwarz, decided to join his friends fishing again! He is enjoying his day feeling the warm sun on his face, looking up at the blue sky, smelling the flowers, hearing the birds chirp … and trying to catch the “big one that got away”!!! All of this took place in the wee hours of the morning on June 19th, 2009 with family by his side. With only 2 days away from Fathers Day and 7 days away from his 78th birthday, there is no better gift he could have received – he is now free from the pain and suffering that he has endured for the past 4 years! It had been a long, hard road for him, yet every day he persevered. He “rose above” every painful challenge set out for him only to find yet another one waiting for him at the end of his journey. His stubbornness and determination to live “life to the fullest” gave his family “78” wonderful years with him! Today, he is only gone as far as you can cast your rod … and the good thing about it is that you can keep reeling him in over and over again! Those who are loved deeply are never further away than your own heart – and he is “Forever Loved”! Ed was predeceased by his parents Emma and Heinrich; step-father Louie; and his step-brother Ludwig. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Lieselotte (Lisa); his daughters Heide (Jim) Stelter and Angie (Darrell) Andrei; his son Roger (Connie); 5 grandchildren whom he loved very much – Rob, Lisa, Alex, Nicole and Dakota; his step-brother Heini and his family in Germany. Edmund was born in Annweiler, Germany on June 26th, 1931 weighing only 3 pounds. From this day forward, he endured and overcame many obstacles in his lifetime. In his later years, he dealt with many medical issues – never complaining and taking everything in stride. He was born a fighter and a very determined man. He lived through WWII as a young man before coming to Canada and having to learn a new language. He followed his heart and continued to work his Trade as a Certified Finish Carpenter. His meticulous woodworking experience had him employed at Cushing Millwork, Sash & Door and eventually his own company – Ed’s Custom Cabinets. Over the years he became interested in accounting and computers. He then pursued a different career – bookkeeping. He spent a few years with Ogle’s Automotive as their bookkeeper. He was a very proud man and rightfully so. He earned the respect of his peers and colleagues alike through his strong work ethics and morals. Ed loved to go fishing and could be found at Buffalo Pound Lake every weekend and every night when he could – winter and summer – for many years. He also was a very good dancer and loved it. Other passions of his, were reading, learning about history, travelling, playing his accordion and harmonica, bowling and playing cards. The highlights of his life were the many family gatherings where the entire family would sit around the supper table and listen to his many stories. He was a walking, talking book. He loved his family unconditionally and stood beside us, guiding us through every endeavour we embarked on. He was very proud of each one of us. He was a self-taught computer wiz and had the courage to learn new things to keep up with the ever changing world. He always said, “if you are interested in something you will learn it … if you are willing to learn I will teach you”. He was President and Secretary- Treasurer of the German Canadian Harmonie Club for many years through which he made everlasting friendships. He was also a member of the White Cane Club and was loved by all who knew him. Ed’s sense of humour and joy of life will live on in all whose lives he touched. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Many thanks to Dr. Ramadan, Dr. Braun, Nurse Roger in ICU, Dave, Tammy and the charge nurses on 1st Floor who tended to him very efficiently and gently for his last round there, as well as numerous staff of the Moose Jaw Union Hospital where Ed spent many nights the last 4 years. In keeping with Ed’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Interment will be with the family. For those wishing to celebrate Ed’s life, we are hosting an afternoon Tea on Friday, July 3rd, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Common Room of High Park Towers, 220 High St. East, Moose Jaw. He would love to see you there! For those so wishing, memorial donations in Ed’s name may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 917A Albert St., Regina, Sk., S4R 2P6 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Sask., 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, Sk., S7K 2H8.