Francis Edward Schwab passed away at the age of 63 on Sunday, March 6, 2016, with family at his side, following a long struggle with brain cancer. He was born on November 20, 1952 in Summerland, BC, and graduated from Nechako Valley Secondary in Vanderhoof, BC in 1970. He went on to earn a PhD from the University of British Columbia in 1986, and was the biology instructor at the Labrador College/College of the North Atlantic in Labrador City, NL for more than 20 years. While living in Labrador, he published 14 papers on the interactions between local birds, small mammals, and their habitats.
Francis is greatly missed by his children, Catherine (Devon Tucker), Paul (Chelsea Smith), and David; his grandson, Emmett-James; his sisters and brothers, Trudy (Bill) Moul, Jim (Barbara), David (Barbara), Greg (Yvonne), and Wendy (Murray) Mortson; his many nieces and nephews; other extended family, and his friends.
His funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria, BC on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. His remains will be interred in the Vanderhoof Municipal Cemetery with his parents, Wendel and Mary (Zünti) Schwab.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation (http://www.cwf-fcf.org/), or to the Music Ministry at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Labrador City, NL (for more information, please call the Parish Office at (709) 944-2289, or Frank Saville at (709) 944-5636 after hours).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Michael Pitt
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Susan Manwaring Dear Trudy & Family, Jim & Family, Greg & Family, David & Family, Wendy & Family & Francis’ Family:
Charlene has heard from Wendy and passed the news of Francis to us; we would just like you to know you are in our thoughts and hoping your many good memories of Francis will sustain you. Take care of each other
Regards and hugs
Susan Manwaring, Larry Svensen and Family
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Martial Agueh Dear family of Francis Schwab,
This is Martial Agueh, the past Grand Knight of St Patrick’s Council Knights of Columbus (K of C). I am the person who arranged for the transfers of Francis Schwab to the Knights of Columbus of St Patrick’s Council and to the 4th Degree Assembly (Father Brabant Assembly 0032), after I contacted by her sister when Francis moved to Victoria and was living in a take care home in Fairfield. I have to say that after few months of meeting Francis (when he was very weak and hardly could move at the take care home), I was really amazed by the way he came back strong in health, moved to the villa of St Patrick’s Parish, got very involved in our K of C council and even joined the executive as our Trusty; he got also involved in a choir of St Patrick Parish (I believe the Filipino’s choir). Francis is a very strong fellow that I admired a lot, and I was blessed to have met him, and have been involved in his transfer to our K of C council..
My sincere condolences go to the whole Francis’ family. Always remember that Francis is now in a better place and washed over all of you. May his soul rest in peace.
God’s blessings,
Martial Agueh,
Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus of St Patrick’s Council #7934.
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Charlene Wheeler To all the Schwab clan. Our sincerest condolences to you all. “Fritz” was a nice guy from our neighbourhood with all of us growing up together here in good ole Vanderhoof! You’re all in our thoughts & prayers!
Charlene & Tim Wheeler & all the Manwaring family
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The Simons To the Schwab Family
Dave, Nicole and I were deeply saddened to hear that Francis had passed. We will always be thankful to him for being an outstanding mentor to our son Neal when he was studying biology at CONA. They worked together before and after Neal’s graduation from University. He and Neal both worked on papers that were published. They both had a mutual interest in wildlife, birds and their habitats and we will be making a donation to the Canadian Wildlife Federation in his memory.
He gave a very touching eulogy at Neal’s Memorial Service ending with the phrase “I have lost my best friend”.
Nicole and I visited him in the hospital before he left the area. We were very pleased to meet his two brothers who travelled to Labrador City to accompany Francis to his home province.We extend our deepest sympathy to his entire family. He fought a good fight and is at peace now. He will not be forgotten.
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Bev Sutherland Our deepest sympathies to the Schwab family as you have lost a dear family member in Francis, I met Francis Nov 20th 2015 and have to say I felt an immediate connection and loved how his humour shone through, his obvious intellect and love to share his stories and experience so readily. I am richer having met Francis.
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The Dixons Our sincerest condolences to the Schwab family on the passing of your brother Francis. We are with you in mourning the passing of a brother and a freind. May he rest in eternal peace.
The Dixon Family
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Kevin McGinn My condolences to you Catherine, and to your family in this time of letting go and finding life without his physical presence.
Love and Light to the soul of Francis Edward Schwab
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Robin Walters To Catherine, Paul, and David: my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. He was a colleague and friend of mine for many years in Labrador City. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories. Rest in peace old friend!
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Ellen O'Keefe My heart was deeply saddened to learn of Francis’ passing. I had so many fond memories of my dear friend and mentor,simply recalling a concert he and I both organized in 2004 …Season of Song’ It involved several choirs, soloists etc and of course my duet with Francis which he helped me become quick study to learn it together and sing it with passion..A moment in time I will forever cherish in my heart.God love him.My heartfelt condolence to Francis’ children, his siblings and all who were touched by the wisdom and friendship of such a kind man at heart.You will be sadly missed my friend.Rest in peace.
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Kay Whelan Dear family of Francis
It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Francis. He was a friend to us in Labrador City as we shared singing in the church choir of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Deepest sympathy to Catherine, Paul and David as well as other family members.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace.Kay Whelan and family
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Stephanie Hughes My deepest sympathies for your loss. Dr. Schwab is the reason I did a biology degree. He was a fantastic teacher, and his passion for his subject matter ignited a lifelong interest for me. I am very sad to hear of his passing, but will never forget my time as his student.
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Ramona and Dusty Scott Thank you for Francis’ obit. Although I didn’t have the privilege to know Francis before he became ill, I could see the beauty of his soul through his eyes when I visited him in his care facility. It is wonderful to read the many messages about what a wonderful man he was. I know mom remembers his generosity and gentleness when he and Dave helped at the house on the Skeena River. Our prayers and love go to the whole family. Sad for your loss, yet I think he is definitely now in the Light.
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Christa & Kevin Williams Thoughts and prayers..he was a great teacher ..mentor..always a smile…he will be missed by many here in Labrador City..all our love from the Williams family
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Wayne & Marie Tucker Wayne Tucker:
March 12, 2016
Cathrine and Family we are so saddened to hear of your fathers passing
Our deepest condolences, to you and the family.Wayne & Marie Tucker
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Ruby Lawrence So sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I knew him from outings with the Bird Counts in Labrador West and he was readily available to answer questions from the amateur birders. He will be remembered and missed.
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Ane & Bernadette Decker To the Schwab Family
Out thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time.
We have great memories of Francis during our years in the church choir in Labrador city. There is no doubt that he will be singing with the Angels .
RIP. Francis
Aneas & Bernadette Decker
Former Labrador City.
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Tom Lester I’m truly saddened to learn of Francis’ passing. Though it’s been 35 years since I last saw him, I fondly remember the many hours we spent together while in grad school; be it in serious and not so serious chats over beer or in the deep north woods while hunting. A man of exceptional intellect; inquisitive nature; a good wrist shot; and most of all, a wonderful, dry sense of humor. My deepest condolences to the Schwab family.
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Susan Powell So sorry to hear of Francis’ passing! He was a good friend and colleague at the College of the North Atlantic, Labrador West Campus. Condolences to his family! Rest in peace, my friend.
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Lacey Rose I’m so sorry to hear of Francis’s passing. He had a significant impact on my life as my biology professor at CONA. I have always really appreciated the guidance he gave me in choosing a career and have thought of and spoken of him often over the last 10 years.
My sincere condolences.
Lacey Rose
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Holly and Gordon saunders To the Schwab family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sadness. We certainly have great memories of Francis as a colleague and a friend. He sure could talk and loved a great conversation … He was a great intellect and contributed to the education of many of the youth who attended the College of North Atlantic in Lab West. He was a great person, no doubt will be missed and may you all cherish the many memories you have of him.
Holly and Gordon Saunders
Former of Labrador City
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Sheila Condon So sorry for your sad loss. Condolences to you all.
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Diane & Gerard Gear Very sorry to hear of Francis’s passing. It is our prayer those left to mourn will find comfort in his faith during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his family .
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Crystal waterman Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Schwab family during this difficult time. I have fond nemories of his stories he would tell and he was by far one of the best teachers I ever had to have the pleasure of having. May he be at peace now.
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Norena Piercey Sorry to hear of The passing of Mr.Schwab,sincere sympathy to his family.
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Jennifer Schofield (Bowdrey) Sending my prayers to Francis’ family during this difficult time, may his love for you and loving memories you have with him help to comfort you. Thinking of Catherine, Paul and David, and praying for you as you deal with your father’s passing. RIP Francis.
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Frank Dwyer An honour to have known this man, played hockey with him and had many great conversations.
Truly sorry to hear of his passing.
Rest Well Friend
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Sylvia Mackey So sorry to hear of France’s passing .what amazing man he was alway a story to tell. A great family man and the love for his kids sure shined through. He’s in gods house now . My deepest Sympathy to the Family .God Blesd.
Sylvia and Leonard Mackey
Labrador City
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Debbie Strickland So sorry for your loss. I remember his quirky sense of humor and all of you from my days at the Menihek Ski Club. May he RIP
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Marilyn Coppard He was a wonderful instructor at the college. Great sense of humour. Sad to hear he’s gone. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
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Bruce & Pam Bullen Our condolences to the Family and Friends of Francis. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. R.I.P. Francis.
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Gordon Parsons Sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Francis, may he rest in peace. I have many great memories of our birdwatching trips, our time at the gun club and of course his music at the church. My condolences to the family.
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Brenda and Bill Testu Catherine, so sorry to hear this. Your dad was a great teacher and friend to me and Bill. A wonderful man who will be missed. Our condolences to you and your family.
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Frank Saville Please accept our deepest sympathy on the death of your father. We will keep him and you in our prayers. Angela and Frank Saville
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Karen Okdford So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man. His passion for music shown through every time his choir performed.
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Eileen Daigle So sorry to hear such sad news. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
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Lori Roul So sorry to hear of the passing of Francis. I have many fond memories of my colleague and friend. Rest easy, Francis, and God bless his children and loved ones.
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Eileen Snow So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Hugs to all your family. May he R I P.
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Michelle Stacey I’m so sorry the world has lost Mr. Schwab. 🙁 Sending lots of condolences to his family! He was funny– ‘too smart for his own good’, hehe, and really an all around great man to talk to. Always a laugh to share. He’ll be missed. <3
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Nick McGrath My condolences to the family. May you rest in peace Francis.
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Wayne Gordon To Paul, David and the rest of the Schwab family;
Christine and I offer our prayers and condolences to you all on Francis’ passing. We will remember his zest for life, dry wit and love for his family. May the peace of God which passes all understanding be yours in the days to come.
God bless.
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Dana-Leigh Thinking of you Catherine & family…xo
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Nadine (King) Hachey Sorry to hear of such sad news. Mr. Schwab was my university Biology instructor in 1993-94. Then later I became a fellow colleagues. I can hear is laughter/chuckle as I think about him now. My condolences to his family.
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Gary Rest in peace Francis! Condolences to the family.
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Sam W Sorry for your loss
May your memories help you though this difficult time
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Dana Blackmore My deepest sympathies to all of you, Francis’ loved ones. Francis was a friend and coworker of mine for many years at the College in Labrador City. May your precious memories of him sustain you through the difficult days ahead. I will remember him always.
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Catherine Hynes David & Family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this time.
Catherine & Peter Hynes
Labrador City, NL
Dear Schwab Family:
My sincerest sympathy for your loss. I came to know Francis as his Ph.D. supervisor at the University of British Columbia, and was immediately impressed with his commitment to, and passion for wildlife biology and management. In fact, Francis was among the most productive of all my graduate students, and consistently earned the respect of his peers. Francis and I eventually became friends, as we enjoyed the physical rigours of his field work, plus backpacking trips into the Southern Chilcotin Mountains. I will always remember his thorough and reasoned perspectives on life and politics. He will be sorely missed.