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Rudy Schindel Obituary
The family announces the passing of Rudy Schindel of Beamsville, in his 98th year. Rudy died peacefully at home in the loving presence of his daughters. He was born to Jacob Schindel (1939) and Helen (Matis) Schindel Born (1953) on a prairie farm near Le Ross, Saskatchewan. Predeceased by his beloved wife N. Jean (Leslie) Schindel (1994), and their treasured son Mark Schindel (1976) as well as his brothers Leo (Phyllis) and Nick (Lillian) Schindel, and his sisters Liz Hull (Ernie), Margaret Krausher (John) and Clara Culp (Chuck). His life was blessed with his stepfather Curt Born and stepbrother Fred Born (Lori Smithson). He was also predeceased by his wife’s parents Leonard and Hazel Leslie, and siblings, Vera Denny (Clarence), Earle Leslie (Valerie), and Elsie Patterson (Brian). He is survived by daughters Vicki Schindel and Lori Schindel Martin (David A. Martin), Grandsons Fraser Martin (Rebecca) and Parker Martin (Ash), and Great Grandsons Bowen and Merrick. He is remembered with love and affection by many nieces and nephews and will be missed by his fur buddies, Milton, Pepper and Spot.
Rudy lived on the farm in Saskatchewan until the age of 15, moving to Ontario in 1944. He resided in Beamsville in the house purchased by his mother, for over 70 years. He started his working life at the age of 16, as a boy tool maker at McKinnon’s in St. Catharines during the war. He then went to Edmonton to train as a diesel mechanic, returning to Ontario because it was “too damn cold”! He then worked in construction with Johnny Lumley. He was trained by Ontario Hydro as a journeyman forester beginning in 1950 and enjoyed being a member of a tight crew. Rudy retired from Hydro as a meter reader in 1983 after 34 years of service.
Dad met his future wife Jean on a blind date with another couple who remained lifelong friends, Alf and Betty Hudson. Together, Rudy and Jean created their family and raised them in a lovely home that was an ongoing renovation project. The family took many trips in their little 14-foot silver and black striped house trailer pulled behind the big Pontiac across Canada. On these trips Rudy “saved us” from bears, bugs, leeches, jelly fish, and poison ivy. Hiking with his wife and kids was a great pleasure, when he taught us all about plants, animals and nature, and sometimes helped us roast hot dogs in clearings beside the Bruce Trail. In retirement, Rudy and Jean enjoyed a period of travel before her final illness, visiting such places as Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, California and the American South. He was deeply saddened by the loss of Jean, who was credited by many to have gently polished Rudy into “a diamond from the rough”. Later in life, Rudy was delighted to share a close companionship with Cathy Annable. They enjoyed playing cards with friends, attending plays and concerts and traveling to Italy and Turkey.
Dad loved to garden in his self-designed backyard rockery, which he built using hard work and lots of muscle. Playing the harmonica brought hours of enjoyment with “You are my Sunshine” and “Red River Valley” being among his favourites, often accompanied by Jean Guy on guitar. He enjoyed various roles in the Lincoln Rotary Lamplighter tours, the highlight being when he blew the five o’clock whistle during the Basket Factory play. He taught us the importance of “giving back” through community service, in appreciation of those who help you through life. He volunteered during the annual Lion’s food drive for West Lincoln Community Care, was a dedicated member of the Lincoln County Fair Board, where he loved to work the gate chatting with the folks coming in. He was a blood donor for 35 years, giving well over 100 times where he also volunteered as a greeter and signed donor cards. He was highly involved in congregation and committee work at Trinity United Church, where he served as an Elder, Trustee, and Chair of the Property Committee during the days of the “Old Crocks Team” whose members renovated Jory Hall and refinished the sanctuary pews. He also taught Sunday School for many years. He was a 3rd degree Mason at Ivy Lodge #115, Beamsville, where he was the blood donor chairman. He celebrated his 65th year as a free mason in 2023. He was honored to be named one of the Fifty Faces of Lincoln, part of the celebration of the 50th year of the Town of Lincoln in 2020. He was an accomplished wood carver and a sought-after forester for trimming and removing trees in the community. Trees were a big part of his life; he loved walking in the Millennium Forest and always stopped to admire the magnificent Caucasian Wingnut tree at the experimental farm in Vineland. Most of all, Dad was a people person, highly interested in what others had to say about their lives and experiences.
We extend our thanks to St. Elizabeth Care Services whose staff provided expert care coordination, clinical assessment and strategy guidance. A special thanks to Susan and Erica for their outstanding advice. Thank you to the kind and capable PSW staff for their outstanding care of our father. Thanks also to Dr. Tino DePetrillo for his reassuring home support. Reverend Jane Capstick and Reverend Judy Bowman were our spiritual support team. Many thanks to our family and friends who brought yummy comfort food (Kay, Colleen, Sandra, Jan, Jane and Joanne) and sent Rudy messages of comfort.
Visitation will take place at Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St., Vineland, on Friday, November 8, 6-8pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity United Church, William Street, Beamsville on Saturday, November 9, at 11am, followed by a reception in Jory Hall. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your charity of choice, do a good deed for someone in your community, or hug a tree.
“A part of all that was and all that will ever be. Love one another, be caring, sharing, gentle and kind.” (R. Schindel, 1994).
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December 22 1926
October 29 2024
Death notice for the town of: Beamsville, Province: Ontario
death notice Rudy Schindel December 22 1926
October 29 2024
obituaries notice Rudy Schindel December 22 1926
October 29 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rudy Schindel December 22 1926
October 29 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.