1925 – 2012
Ralph Louis Schmidt was born May 22, 1925 in Cudworth, Saskatchewan. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; 4 sons, Glenn, Craig (Suzanne), Paul, Allan (Marie); 4 grandsons, Cameron, Kyle, Nicholas, Shaun (Deanna) and great grandson, Isaac; predeceased sister, Marian; also sisters, Lucille, Phylis, Rosemarie; Jane’s sisters Elizabeth (Horst) and Christine (Bert); and many nieces and nephews. Thanks to the kind care of the hospital staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital. He served in the R.C.A.F. in later part of the Second World War, trained as an air gunner. He was employed as a professional forester with the Ministry of Forests and retired in 1982 as Director of the Research Branch. During his retirement years he followed his passion as a writer.
Memorial service will be held in McCall Brothers, Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Saturday, January 14th at 2:30 pm. Reception to follow at McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered below.
18 Responses
So sorry we had lost touch and didn’t know of this cousin’s passing. He visited my parents numerous times. My mom Isabell enjoyed that. My daughter just found this while researching family history. Would like to get in touch with cousins in the extended family.
Greetings Jane and family, I’ve been out of country during the month of January, so just now heard. My thoughts and condolences during this difficult time. As others have said, Ralph was the Director of Research Branch when I was hired, though it would cause me some concern when he would come over, stand next to my desk, and say “I still don’t know why we hired you”. I’m glad he let me stick around and participate in what I thought was a golden age of the Research Branch. Later I did some illustrations for a book he published (Pennies from Heaven), was the willing recipient of salmon which one of your sons would drop off, and enjoyed seeing Ralph at the ball games and tournaments of the league Paul and I played in. He is a class act, and I will miss him.
I knew Ralph since 1980, when I was hired by the Protection Branch of the BCFS. I worked a lot with Research Branch and appreciated the support I received from Ralph and his staff. Ralph and I worked on several forest history projects through the Forest History Association of BC, including the Research Branch history. He always had a smile for you and he maintained his interest in people and forest research. I will miss Ralph’s joie de vivre.
I enjoyed working occasionally with Ralph in 1959 and 1960 when I was a summer student with Research Branch. He was always interesting, helpful and courteous. His friendliness and courtesy continued later in 1981-82 when I worked in Protection Branch, and he was one of the staff that made working in the Forest Service so enjoyable. I’ll miss seeing him at the annual reunions at the Legion.
I curled with Ralph for several years at VCC and thoroughly enjoyed his company. He was a lovely man and I am saddened by his death. I know that your family will be greatly supportive of each other at this difficult time and I send my deepest sympathy.
Earlier today I brought out my copy, personally signed, of Ralph’s book: “Pennies from Heaven” and will remember him fondly as I re-read his stories.
Ralph was more than a colleague and a director. His cheerful attitude brightened up many meetings, field trips and get-togethers that made everybody feel at ease and part of the group.
On one occasion, having dinner and a glass of wine together he decided to learn Hungarian, in particular, one word: “cheers” which does not exist in the Hungarian dictionary but a good substitute “to your health” or “egészségedre” does. After several tries – and glasses of wine – he managed to pronounce this rather unpronounceable word and remembered it whenever we had an occasion to sip a glass of wine together…
Farewell Ralph! Your personality and friendship in, and outside of work will be cherished for the rest of my life.
Jane: I have many fond memories of working for Ralph in the Elk River Valley and Crest Mountain and with the Research Division.
He was a Boss, Mentor and Friend and very helpful to me over the years. I have good memories of boarding with you while in University.
Our condolences on his passing.
Regards, Dick and(Ruth) Marshall
Jane and family: We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Ralph was a great neighbour. I always enjoyed our ‘over the hedge’ conversations. We’ll miss the spinach and his humour.
David, Sharon, Matt and Emma Robertson