Nicholas Abraham Schmidt

August 4th, 1932 - January 18th, 2016

Nicholas Abraham Schmidt passed away on Monday, January 18th, 2016, surrounded by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth Schmidt, and his three children, Alice Kendall, Arthur Schmidt, and Allan Schmidt.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Nicholas was the youngest of 4 boys to Abraham and Agnes Schmidt. He grew up in Kitchener, Ontario, accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 14. He grew continuously in his faith throughout his life.

At the age of 22 years old, Nicholas moved with his company, Gestetner Corporation to Winnipeg, Manitoba. There he met the love of his life, Ruth Kliewer. They were joyfully wed on June 16th, 1956. From the beginning Nicholas was involved in his church as the youth leader at Elmwood Mennonite Brethern Church and sang in the choir, as well as small groups! He also sang for The Gospel Light Hour on the radio. Nicholas loved singing songs of joy and encouragement. Nick and Ruth began a family with Alice in 1960, Arthur in 1961 and Allan in 1965. The children grew up in a home filled with love and faith. Because of this, Nick and Ruth felt called to the ministry of sharing the Love of God and joined the Mennonite Brethern Missions and moved the family to Detroit, Michigan for two years. After their 2 year mission responsibility, Nick moved his family to Dallas, Texas for two years, where again, he was completely involved in the church sharing God’s love wherever he went. The company transferred the family one more time to Southfield, Michigan. The family grew and served continually at Highland Park Baptist Church. Nick was known by his children’s friends as someone who loved without exception and encouraged continually with laughter and hugs to all.

As the children grew up, got married, and moved away, his legacy continued with a blessing of grandchildren. He loved on them from far away and, with Ruth, celebrated all their events as they grew, and visited as much as possible. They love their Opa and Oma! But in Michigan, it was his responsibility with Ruth to continue loving all those who crossed their paths. He was generous to all. Nick and Ruth’s home was a continuous revolving door.

Nick worked for Gestetner Corporation for 35 years, dedicating his efforts to each and every customer. After leaving Gestetner, he began his own office supply business, which he loved. He loved getting up every morning to greet and take care of his customers. But that, unfortunately, came to a halt after his stroke and suddenly had to retire. After Ruth retired, they packed their belongs and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Nick and Ruth became involved at Marietta Alliance Church. As well, they brought extra comfort to Alice and her children as they went through a difficult time in their lives. Opa and Oma continued to be the strength for their grandchildren, both near and far.

Even though Nick struggled through two heart attacks, a stroke that left him with full fledged aphasia (which made it extremely difficult to speak or write). He suffered through cancer, macular degeneration, and congestive heart failure. But, in spite of his difficult health issues, Nick never stopped loving others…never stopped sharing hugs, laughter and encouragement! He loved without condition! Our husband, father and grandfather is truly an example of our Heavenly Father! Although our hearts grieve for him, we know Nicholas Abraham Schmidt is in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior!