He was born on July 14th, 1950 in Abbotsford, BC, to Adolf and Selma (Derksen) Schmidt.
David grew up on a mixed farm in the Sumas prairie part of Abbotsford and was the oldest of seven children. He excelled in his studies in elementary and high school and went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in creative writing at UBC. One of his first jobs was as a copywriter at CHWK radio in Chilliwack, BC where he was able to write some award-winning advertisements. After trying some other endeavors, he found his real niche, getting a job as a farm writer for Country Life. He was able to use his background in farming with his real interest, writing. He achieved many awards and special recognitions from BC and Canadian Farm Writers Federations, holding executive positions at both levels. He received a very prestigious award from the British Columbia Institute of Agrologists as the Agriculturist of the Year, recognizing David’s significant contributions to British Columbia Agriculture during 2000. This was the very first time a writer was even considered for this award and it came as quite a surprise.
David’s favorite pastime turned out to be playing duplicate bridge. Again, he got very involved in the American Contract Bridge League and served as the treasurer of District 19 for the past 17 years. He loved traveling and has seen most of Canada and the USA, always by car. He loved driving but avoided flying on all accounts; except he did fill a bucket list wish by flying to visit and tour New Zealand; a real highlight for him.
David was predeceased by his mother and father and one brother, Walter. He is survived by his two brothers: Albert (Susan) and John (Ruth), three sisters: Linda, Esther, Anita (Johnny) and sister-in-law Kathy, eleven nieces and nephews Allan (Leanne), Martin (Lisa), Jonelle, Dustin (Angie), Ryan (Brittany), Kevin (Leanne), Josiah, Amanda, Wright (Kelsey), Christiane, and Liz. Thirteen great nephews and nieces: Alison, Mason, Braidyn, Everly, Carter, Karson, Brady, Lucy, Carter, Lilian, Kendall, Aaron, and Charlotte. One uncle: Reuben (Elizabeth) Derksen. Goddaughter Alisa Schmidt, special friend June Keith, long time friends Norm and Lois Mazuren, and Arnie and Barb Schmidt. He also leaves behind many cousins and whole host of friends that will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Sardis Community Church, 45625 South Sumas Rd. Chilliwack, BC. Reception to follow in the Church Fireside Room. A family graveside service will be held at the Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery.
The Celebration of Life will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@sardiscommunitychurch5843 and will be viewable for 1 week after the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates that you consider donating to the MCC.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfh-abbotsford.com for the Schmidt family.
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