February 28, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Mr. Andrew 'Andy' Ray Schmidt passed away in Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the age of 83 years Andy was a wonderful father, grandfather, brother, husband, son, and friend.
The first part of his childhood was spent in downtown Calgary, where he tested his mettle by sailing a makeshift raft on the Bow River. In his teens, he lived along the train tracks of Ogden. Andy worked hard at everything he did - school, sports and his part-time jobs, which included laying sod in the McMahon Stadium, planting trees in Kananaskis, and a landscaping gig where he met crooner, Bing Crosby.
After graduating from Western High School in 1958, he attended the University of Alberta in Calgary. Inspired by his Aunt Beth, a High School Principal, he valued education deeply, becoming the first person in his family to earn a degree. He would continue with his education receiving a BSc, BEd, MSc and MEng.
He met Carol George at the University of Calgary, and they married on Farmer's Day in 1966, eventually settling in Lacombe, and later moving to Red Deer to raise a family. Andy spent over thirty years teaching in the Sciences at Red Deer College. He was a committed teacher that took learning seriously and wanted to help his students achieve their goals.
He often ran into dentists, doctors, and engineers who were grateful for his support in meeting the challenges of academic and professional life.
In his retirement, he focused on his passion for astronomy, starting Earth and Sky, a personal business where he sold telescopes at the Red Deer Farmer's Market. He loved to share his knowledge of the night sky through talks, slide shows and a column in the Red Deer Advocate.
When he wasn't looking at the stars, he was at the Collicutt Centre running on the indoor track. Always up for a chance to test his endurance, he went on to complete multiple half-marathons in his sixties and early seventies. Age didn't slow him down much.
When he could no longer run, he went for long walks, only conceding his age with occasional breaks to sit by the Red Deer River to listen to the birds.
Andy was predeceased by his wife, Carol, in 2019.
Andy will be lovingly remembered by his children, Kurt and Holly; their spouses, Eline and Nigel; and his granddaughter, Isa; as well as his siblings, Kay, Karen, and Sandy.
The family extends its gratitude to Carol Cole-Denton, Andy's caregiver, for her generous spirit and devotion to Andy. We would also like to acknowledge the staff at Timberstone Mews for their kindness and care in his final year.
At Andy's request, no Service will be held. If desired, Memorial Donations in Andy's honor may be made directly to CKUA Radio at www.ckua.com or to the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta at www.alzheimer.ca
Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.