My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dave Schmidt. I have known Dave for 60+ years as we grew up together, went to Sunday School , hung out in school, spent week-ends with Dave in university and shared houses in Sardis and Chilliwack. I tried to share his passion with bridge but didn't really care for it. Dave did my company and personal books for 38 years. I always looked forward to his Christmas letters and getting together for a meal when I was in town. I will miss you, Dave, forever, my dear friend.

Dave wasn’t keen on walking  with us but soon he stopped puffing and  started enjoying  every step. In fact he became compulsive counting  the number of  his steps, even when he went to the post office  or walking steps when he was at home . As time goes we decided to see how many parks as possible.  We had loads of fun. David’s story was when we’re by a pond in Campbell  Valley Park. There was loud deep sounds of a man in pain. The sounds were all around. I, June, was scared  and  I wanted to leave . Dave laughed so hard as he knew that there we’re lots of  bullfrogs.

My condolences to David's family and close friends. I've had the privilege of knowing David for decades as a farm writer and as a friend of agriculture. I knew him in my own roles as an ardent reader of Country Life, as a farm leader and as BC Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for 4 years. 

I have often said that Country Life was the best "briefing note" about all of agriculture that a Minster could  have and David Schmidt looms large as being responsible for that legacy. 

David was a gifted farm writer.  His writing was always clear and concise, readable and relevant and highly informative to the reader. He could take complex subjects such as supply management in four different farm commodities and explain what happened in meetings better than anyone including many who participated in the meeting he was reporting on.  He was a walking expert on all of the topics he wrote about and provided a great service to agriculture by condensing that knowledge and his observations onto the printed page.

I would say that David  had a healthy skepticism of politicians and governments and he didn't hesitate to let that be known, either in editorials or in conversation.

David Schmidt  leaves behind  a lifetime of dedication to the BC Farm Writer's Association where he toiled for decades keeping things active and moving forward with painfully small budgets. His  biggest legacy here is an ongoing force of  competent farm writers, small in number but high in dedication,  who carry on with David's record of expertise and service in writing for and about BC agriculture.

Rest in Peace David. Your work on this earth is done and we deeply appreciate it.

My deepest condolences to David's family and friends. He was one of a kind and made a lasting contribution to the agriculture community. I first met David in 2008 through the farm writers' association and interacted with him on many occasions in the 10 years following. He was blessed with a sharp mind and a great sense of humour, and did so much to share agriculture with anyone and everyone - good, accurate, interesting stories which showed how complex and diverse farming is. David rarely ever missed an agriculture event. He was there for it all... notebook and recorder in hand, pens in his shirt pocket, camera around his neck, wearing his trucker hat... intently watching, listening, and knowing exactly which questions to ask to get to the heart of the story.

It is with sadness to hear of David's passing, he was a friend and will be missed in the bridge community. David was a major clog in District 19 unit  board and did such a wonderful job during the years he participated there. In 1991 he wrote a series on New Players in bridge and  I was interviewed by him. It was an honour  to sit down with him and when I read what he wrote, I didn't recognize that he was talking about me!! He surely made me look good as an inspiring bridge player. David always had an opinion on everything and could debate with the best on them. When I played bridge against him,  I was amazed  with his skills at the bridge table. He defeated  me more times than I can remember. However he was a gentleman at the table and offered advise if  asked.  Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the services as I will be teaching bridge that day. I know he would excuse me for that.
David, you will be missed my friend.
Tai Eng

I've known David since I was very young.
My fondest memories of him were going out to lunch with him and my Father, where David would always order a milk, and request that it be brought with the meal.

After my Father passed away 5 years ago, David went above and beyond in helping my family through such a difficult time. 

My deepest condolences to the family.
He will be greatly missed.

I remember all the times David spent with just me. Teaching me how to drive the tractor when we were picking up bales of hay in the fields.

Hello this is Anita Szabo. One thing I remember is David putting me on his shoulders and running through the house.

Dave and I were bridge partners thirty years ago but things happened and suddenly we haven’t played for years.  Nevertheless Dave and I still were friends and always shared our memories.  I was just talking to him at the sectional 12 days ago,   I will miss him. So very very sad.
Rest in peace Dave.

Sheila

As a duplicate bridge player, when the cards came out of the board, David was a fierce competitor.  When the hand was finished and the cards put away, he was a funny, friendly, nice guy who was always willing to help out.  

I only knew him in the context of the bridge table and in the governance of duplicate bridge.  Those arenas will be diminished without him.

OBITUARY

David George Schmidt

14 July, 1950 – 20 November, 2023

Woodlawn Funeral Home

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