It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Herbert Phillip (Herb) Schafer, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, on Monday, December 19, 2022. Herb was a true gentleman who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Herb was born on November 2, 1929 in Sandhausen, Heidelberg Germany to parents Juliana Schaefer and Karl Ruettinger. After enduring the effects of the War, at the age of 15, Herb took on a grueling three-year apprenticeship to become a barber. In Germany, he met the love of his life Friedl and shortly after they welcomed their first child, Kurt.
Herb immigrated to Canada in 1953 and took a work contract on the “King Family Farm” in Oakville, Ontario. However, after just six months into a one-year contract, the King family released Herb from the agreement upon learning that he had been offered a barber position in Thunder Bay. He was forever grateful. After settling in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Friedl and Kurt eventually joined Herb in Thunder Bay, and the couple welcomed two more children, May and Melanie.
Throughout his life, Herb worked at various barber shops in Thunder Bay before eventually opening his own shop, “Herb’s Barber Shop,” which he operated for over 50 years. Herb’s love for his craft was evident in the care and attention he gave to each and every one of his clients. Even into his 90’s, Herb continued to cut hair for his loyal customers, many of whom had been coming to see him for decades.
In addition to his work as a barber, Herb was a devoted husband and selfless caregiver to his wife, Friedl, when she battled Alzheimer’s disease. He always put her needs before his own and made sure she was comfortable and well taken care of. Herb was also a kind and loving father to his children, always making time for them and supporting them in all their endeavors.
Outside of work and family, Herb enjoyed hobbies such as bowling, golf, dancing at 55 plus, playing cards with his long-time friends Hans and Helmuth. He was an avid golfer and could often be found on the course, perfecting his swing and enjoying the company of friends. Herb was also a regular on Wednesdays at Mario’s where he was known for his competitive spirit and love of the game. As recently as Dec. 14th he amazed everyone with his consecutive strikes and spares scoring his best games in years. Always cheering him on throughout the years of bowling, his granddaughters Kirsi, and Brittany and grand children Abby, Samuel, and most recently Milo, daughter May and friend Brett.
Herb will be remembered by countless people as a sharp dresser, an excellent bowler a diligent worker, a kind soul, and a true gentleman with the most positive attitude. He lived a simple yet enriched life and deeply enjoyed being in the company of family and friends. Dad was proud of his German heritage and was always in close contact with his family back home.
Herb is survived by his daughters May Schafer and Melanie Wynnes (John); son Kurt Schafer (passed away December 22, 2022), grandchildren Kirsi (Sam), Brittany (Matt), Morgan, Callum, Kristen (Kris), and Andrea and great-grandchildren Maxton, Abby, Samuel, Kendra, Khloe, and Milo. He is also survived by siblings, Anita and Horst, other relatives in Germany, and friend Brett. He is predeceased by his wife Friedl in 2004, and siblings in Germany, Melanie, Lotte, Heine, Kurt and Gunther.
Herb’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the ICU staff for their compassionate care, especially to Dr. George, Dr. McCallum, Marissa, Nadia, Lisa, and Shannon, and to Dr. Cassie. Additionally, we would like to thank Dr. Rao and Dr. Czolpinski for their years of exemplary care.
Funeral services for Herbert Schafer will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church at 11:00am officiated by Arch Deacon Deborah Kraft. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with prayer offered at 7:00 pm in the Blake Funeral Chapel. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, Animal Services Centre and Caring Hearts Cat Rescue and Sanctuary or the charity of your choice.
“He has achieved success, who has lived well laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children.” -Dessie J. Stanley
Herb will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and unconditional love. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
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2022
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Herbert Schafer 2022 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario