In loving memory of Ken who went to be with his Heavenly Father with his family by his side.
Ken is survived by his wife, Liz, with whom he happily shared 57 wonderful years, his children Kurt (Holly), Scott (Michelle), Britte (Tom) and Daren (Selena) along with 11 grandchildren who he dearly loved, brother-in-law Barry (Karen) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins scattered across the globe.
He is predeceased by his parents Jack and Nellie, parents-in-law Gordon and Enid Wood, and sister-in-law Marnie Robinson.
Ken was born and raised in Dryden, graduating from Dryden High School in 1956. He was thrust into the family market gardening and greenhouse business upon the sudden death of his father at the age of 19. Over the next few decades, he, along with his mother, developed Schmidt Flowers into a thriving part of Dryden’s business community. During this time he had many interests, one of which was a lifelong passion for construction, building a number of houses in the vicinity of Schmidt Crescent, including his family home. He was passionate about cars, and was an early member of the Dryden Roadrunners. Ken was also very musical, playing the organ regularly for Sunday services at First Baptist Church, where he and his family served for many years.
As the business continued to grow, it moved from the original location on Casimir Avenue to Princess Street, where he converted an old funeral home into “The Towne Square” which contained Schmidt Flowers and the Carousel Gift Shop. At the same time, he purchased land just outside of town to construct new greenhouses to grow flowers for the shop as well as bedding plants for spring and summer sales and poinsettias through the fall for Christmas. As time progressed, he also opened a flower and gift shop in Kenora which ran until the late 80s. One additional venture was to grow tree seedlings for local reforestation, eventually selling this off to his partner to focus on the growing retail and wholesale garden-center part of the business.
Ken was a vital part of the greenhouse operation right up to the end of his life, passing on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren as well as using his construction skills to maintain the operation. Most people will remember him as being an ambassador, constantly chatting with customers and passing on gardening advice in his gentle and friendly way.
Despite the demands of a busy life, Ken always found time for his family, whether it be a summer road trip vacation, watching his children play sports or spending time at the cottage with his grandchildren all around. Ken’s motto was to always dream big, and what made these dreams come true were his family and strong faith in his Saviour.
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Condolences(15)-
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Janis Wessel says
November 29, 2022 at 6:58 pmOur most sincere condolences to you Liz abd your family. May God give you peace during this difficult time….until you meet
Again. Many Blessings from Dave and Janis Wessel & family.
Minna Aitken says
November 29, 2022 at 11:54 pmWe were so sad to hear of Ken’s death. Our hearts go out to you Liz, your children and grandchildren.
I have so many fond memories of my cousin Ken. In our early years in Canada I spent several summer holidays living with Ken, Aunt Nellie, Uncle Jack and Annie. Ken’s kindness, generosity and good humour in coping with my curiosity, and frequent trailing after him.
When our families gathered at his home Ken was always willing to play the piano which was a major treat for us.
Ken was a big hearted man who will be missed by many.
Big loving hugs to Liz and families
Minna and Wayne Aitken
Minna Aitken says
November 30, 2022 at 12:14 amWe were so sad to hear of Ken’s death Our heart go out to Liz her children and grandchildren.
I have so many fond memories of my cousin Ken. In our early years in Canada during summer holiday I spent several weeks living with Ken, aunt Nellie, uncle Jack and Annie.Ken’s kindness, generosity and good humour in coping with my trailing after him with endless questions and curiosity never faltered.
When our family joined his at their home Ken was always willing to play the piano which was a major treat for us..
Ken was a big hearted man who will be missed by many.
Big loving hugs to Liz and families
Minna and Wayne Aitken
Glenice Sveinson says
November 30, 2022 at 1:02 amWe are so sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family, Elizabeth and may you forever hold precious memories of your years together in your heart. 💞
Keith and Glenice Sveinson
Don Tremaine says
November 30, 2022 at 1:52 amI’m wishing you the Comfort God can give in a time like this.
In Christ’s Love,
Don
Kathryn Humphrey says
November 30, 2022 at 9:59 pmHeartfelt condolences from the Humphrey family. We have so many memories of shared family occasions especially on Earle St. and at the “cottage”, the “Woodlot”. We share in your sorrow and wish you the comfort of many happy memories.
With love,
Gord, Kathryn, and Linnea and families
Carine Risberg says
December 1, 2022 at 3:22 pmThinking of you Liz and family at this time. It was a shock to read of Ken’s passing. I will never forget him, his kind sharing of knowledge and his concern for others. You and Ken were always such wonderful, caring people. I will always remember the great kindness you and Ken showed to my mother, Laila Risberg. She often would speak of Mr. Schmidt (Ken) and Liz. In the spring and early summer her favourite trips to town involved going to the greenhouses to have a chat with Mr. Schmidt about growing things. Ken will always be in my memories as a truly wonderful person who cares about others and walked the walk. He will be reconnecting with those who knew him and have passed before him now. Keep your 57 years of good memories close in your heart and mind and revisit them when you have a sad day. They will uplift you, and you will know Ken will always be with you through those memories. Hugs.
Pastor Ted and Marie Searle says
December 1, 2022 at 5:42 pmLiz, Kurt & Holly and all the family our condolences as we are saddened by your loss yet gladdened by the knowledge Ken is now with Christ, “Absent from the body, and present with the Lord”. Trusting you all to our Father’s gracious care. Pastor Ted and Marie Searle
Karen Koroscil says
December 1, 2022 at 6:33 pmOur condolences to you Liz and your children and grandchildren. Ken was an amazing man and we will remember him fondly!
Dan, Karen, Lisa and Tom Koroscil
Aaron Brown says
December 1, 2022 at 10:02 pmKen was a model for us all, a giant in personal kindness, having respect for others, and always generous in spirit. I always felt peaceful and positively charged after having spent only a few minutes with Ken. In his midst, he always made me feel that I could be a better person. I know your values and strength will carry you through the rest of the way. You have a beautiful loving family at your side that I have huge admiration and respect for.
Bill Vincent says
December 2, 2022 at 2:05 pmLiz and family
We are very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a fine man and will be missed.
Bill and Susan Vincent
Jeff Dickinson says
December 2, 2022 at 4:12 pmLiz, we are so sad to hear of Ken’s passing , we pray for Gods comfort for all your family . Ken was a wonderful person and I have so many good memories of him and Dryden First Baptist leadership . A great man , husband , father , and servant to his community.
J. Bruce Robinson says
December 2, 2022 at 7:08 pmAs the Best Man at Ken and Liz’s wedding, and growing up in Dryden, I remember Ken and his drive to succeed. He took on a major responsibility at a young age and successfully established a business and raised a wonderful family. I was very envious of his antique black Thunderbird and many other cars that Ken drove over 60 years ago. Carol and I extend to Liz and her family, our deepest sympathy. We will always remember Ken with fondness.
Marvin Wheatley says
December 4, 2022 at 2:34 pmVery sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts are with you and your family .
Preben Schmidt says
December 8, 2022 at 11:30 pmLiz, I am sure my sorrow at the loss of my cousin Ken pales in comparison to the loss you and your family must feel and the heartfelt condolences of my family are extended to you and your family. Ken was a very good friend to me when I came to Canada as a young boy unable to speak a word of English. Ken took me under his wing and helped me significantly in my transition from a Dane to a Canadian. I remember the good times we had, working at the greenhouse, helping with the installation of the pipes for the hot water heating system and climbing up on the glass roof to paint the wooden slats and chasing each other with a paint brush. It is good that we all have such fond memories of the impact Ken had on our lives. Rest in peace Ken, you deserve it..
In Ken’s memory, donations can be made to the Dryden Food Bank, 62 Queen St, Dryden, ON P8N 1A4
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