Irwin Jacob Schmidt
February 26, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, and grandfather, Irwin Jacob Schmidt, on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Irwin was born on June 3, 1938 to Jakob and Sara (Neufeld) Schmidt in a small German Mennonite Village in Neuenburg, Ukraine. He is survived by his wife Joan (Mills) Schmidt of 56 years, and his three children: Tracy (Lee), of Ottawa, Brent (Corrie), of Waterloo and Brad, of London. Beloved grandfather to Liam, Noah, Cole, Claire and Carly. He was predeceased by his parents, and two sisters, Erna Unrau (2012) and Erna Schmidt, who died in infancy. Irwin is survived by his brother-in-law Walter Unrau and sister-in-law June Nixon, nieces, nephew and extended family and friends.
At 8 years old, he walked across Poland chasing the wagon pulled by his mother on the long journey to Germany. Irwin arrived in Canada with his mother and sister on December 2, 1947, and was reunited with his father in 1966. He was thankful for the life he was granted in Canada. Irwin graduated from Guelph University and spent his career dedicated to agriculture and helping farmers. He retired from UAP after 28+ years of service, after which he continued to consult for 11 years. He enjoyed golf, singing in a men’s choir, and played tennis with passion. He attended Valleyview Mennonite Church and was dedicated to volunteering for many years.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Mount Hope Long Term Care and the care workers who supported him at home. Visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, Ontario on Friday, March 4, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Valleyview Mennonite Church, 1170 Melsandra Avenue, London, on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend at the church.
To register for the service and livestream, please follow this link: Registration and Live Feed Link
Private family burial at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in memory of Irwin, please consider the Mennonite Central Committee.
Leave a tribute for Irwin Jacob Schmidt
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Condolences on behalf of the participants, volunteers and staff at the Parkwood exercise class. Irwin was always a joy to have around. His big smile would light up the room. His "sweety's" and "girlfriends" at Parkwood will miss him the most. It was a pleasure to have known him.
My sincere condolences to Joan and family. Irwin was always such a kind and gentle man and was always nice to talk with at church, with his warm and funny personality. I had no idea that he loved to play golf or I would have asked him to play long ago. Maybe we will get to play a round together in heaven one day... :-)
Sending our sincere condolence to Joan and family. Irwin was a stoic person to know, to work with as his scientific knowledge was like an encyclopedia in agriculture during his career. Irwin was an admiral to have known and a legacy of memories he shared with everyone.
My heart goes out to Joan and family. I have fond memories of socializing together when Irwin & Bruce worked at UAP. Thinking of you.
Joan and family - Thinking of you and the children at this sad time in the passing of Irwin. Hold your memories close to your heart as you go forward in the days ahead. Take care of each other. Sincere sympathy.
A donation has been made to Mennonite Central Committee. Message from the donator: Tracy, Lee and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your father's passing. Remember the good times you had with him, may they comfort you at this difficult time. Please extend our sympathy to your mom and the rest of your family. The Chiarello's
A donation has been made to Mennonite Central Committee. Message from the donator: We are very sorry for your loss and we are thinking of you.
We were both very sorry to hear of the passing of Irwin and extend our thoughts to Joan and the family at this difficult time of loss. We both remember Irwin as a kind, decent and gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor who displayed genuine interest in those with whom he talked. Brian enjoyed working on committees with Irwin and attending worship services with the Schmidt family and will have fond memories of time of Irwin's company over the years.
Tracy and Lee and Family: We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your beautiful dad. We are thinking of you all and sending our condolences, love and prayers. xo Tanya and Kevin O'Brien Ottawa
A donation has been made to Mennonite Central Committee. Message from the donator: We have fond memories of family gatherings and Irwin's dry wit.
I always had a wonderful relationship with Irwin when I did French translation work first for Pfizer and then For United Agri Products. We were the same age.
Services for Irwin Jacob Schmidt
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
March 4, 2022 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Valleyview Mennonite Church
1170 Melsandra Avenue
London, Ontario
March 19, 2022 1:00 pm
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to Mennonite Central Committee. Message from the donator: My condolences to Joan and family. I had the good fortune of working with Irwin on several agricultural projects and learned from his wealth of knowledge. I joined him on many trips across southern ontario farmland, Irwin making sure to stop for pie, telling stories of his early VW beetle adventures and of his fond visits, later in life, with his father. He was a good man.
~ Kevin Abma