Carl Schlosser

January 5, 1960 - November 25, 2016

Carl passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital, after a courageous and inspirational battle with cancer. Carl was surrounded by his loving family throughout his illness, and in his final moments. 

Carl was born to Marlene and Edmund Schlosser on January 5, 1960, in Humboldt, Saskatchewan.  He later moved to Debden, Saskatchewan, where he met his best friend, soul mate, and wife Céline. Carl will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife Céline; Son, Brad (Courtney and grandson Dylan); Daughter, Luanne (Ryan Lapierre); Mother, Marlene Leapard (Dave); Sister, Karen Serfas (Doug); Brothers, Colin Schlosser (Sharon), Kevin Schlosser (Terry-Lynne); Step-mother, Dorille Schlosser (Rich); Half-sister, Kerri Schlosser (Josh); Step-brother, Blair Gareau (Leanne);  Mother and father-in-law, Edward and Hélène Boutin; Sisters-in-law, Joanne Lajeunesse (Roger), Dianne Boutin; Brother-in-law, Raymond Boutin (Brigitte); and many nieces and nephews.  Carl was predeceased by his father, Edmund Schlosser.

Carl’s greatest love was his wife Céline and family.  A devoted husband and father, Carl was endlessly invested in his family’s wellbeing and livelihood.  Throughout his children’s lives, he supported his son, Brad, coaching hockey and baseball, and later followed him around the province supporting his golf.  Carl was also deeply involved with his daughter Luanne’s Irish Dance, serving on the board of directors for the dance school, and following her to dance competitions across North America.  During his active presence in his children’s hobbies, and later in their careers, Carl taught his children the value of interesting characters, tough adversaries, strong mentors, and the value of hard work.  These are values that his children will take forward in their personal and professional lives. 

Carl’s second love was his Prairieland Park family in his role as Director of Events.  There, his greatest joy was planning the Saskatoon Exhibition.  Before his role at Prairieland Park, Carl’s entry into business began at the Junction 5 & 6 Hotel in Watson, and then the Meadow Lake Stampede Hotel.  Carl made his home with his family in Saskatoon when a job as manager at the Sutherland Hotel brought him there.  Following the Sutherland Hotel, Carl worked at Louis’ on Campus, and lastly at Prairieland Park for 16 years.  It was in his role as Director of Events that Carl had the opportunity to use his vision and dedication to expand the operations at Prairieland Park.  In that role, he also had the privilege to attend the many work conferences that he loved, including the South by Southwest Conference (SXSW), Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (C.A.F.E), the International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (I.A.F.E), and International Entertainment Buyer’s Association conferences (I.E.B.A).

Carl was a pillar in the community, greater business community and entertainment industry, where he was loved and admired for his hard work, creativity and dedication to whatever he set his head, hand, and heart to. A true family man, community man, and beloved colleague, Carl was a role model and mentor to many.  He had a tangible and unspeakable power to push people towards greatness, and to encourage strength and creativity, especially in the face of adversity.  This attitude was ever present during his battle with cancer, where he maintained his optimistic attitude, despite the cards stacked against him. A man of deep faith, not once was Carl mad at God because of his disease: All he could see was how blessed he was.  Carl will always be remembered for his work ethic, his love and dedication to his family, zest for life, and his belief in the inherent goodness and potential of every person.

Carl’s grandson, Dylan, was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Carl also loved his grandpuppies, Emo and Jack. Carl loved to travel: from camping trips, golf trips, and fishing trips to French Lake.  In the last decade, Carl and the the love of his life, Céline, explored Europe and South America, and were able to spend a month every winter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  Work hard, play hard: Each day was a  chance for a new adventure, a chance to twist the throttle open, to live without regret.  Carl’s approach to life shows that while length is often the focus, that breadth and depth give life its value, true character, and flair. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Prairieland Park (Carl’s second family), Joanne Lajeunesse, Karen Serfas, Dr. Zaidi and nurse Chantal, Dr. Renee Kennedy, Dr. Mack, Dr. Pearce, Dr. Nazir, Dr. Haver, palliative home care nurses, Laurie and Donna, St. Paul’s Palliative Care and Units 5A and 5B, 6100 RUH Oncology, Saskatoon Cancer Clinic, Fr. David Tumback, Foothills Hospital, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, family, friends and co-workers. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Prairieland Park, Hall B at 2:30 pm.  Music, drinks, and appetizers will be served, as we celebrate a man who lived large and loved large.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency (20 Campus Dr., Saskatoon, SK S7N 4H4) or to St. Paul’s Palliative Care Unit (1702 20th St. W., Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Z9).  Loved, but never forgotten - Until we meet again. 

Arrangements in care of David Schurr - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200