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.
Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com. 250-377-8225