Obituary for Herbert Ralph Schultz - my beloved father-in-law

Herb died peacefully on December 26, 2011, after a short but intense encounter with non-smoker’s lung cancer. Herb was predeceased by both his sister Lorna and his first wife Anne. He is survived and will be eternally missed by his loving wife Jan, adoring sons Jeffrey (fiancée Amanda) and Dalton, siblings Alma, Eileen, Linda, August and Doris and their families, as well as countless relatives and friends.

Herb was raised on a farm in Niverville, Manitoba. After graduating from high school, he moved to Winnipeg where he studied geography at both the undergraduate and master’s levels. Upon graduation from the University of Winnipeg, Herb began a series of career positions with the Government of Canada, including the Department of Regional Industrial Expansion. He then joined the civilian end of the Canadian Military as Deputy Chief of Staff of Civilian Personnel. His work with the Government of Canada frequently took him throughout Canada’s north and to Ottawa, where he maintained many friendships.

After retiring, Herb continued to remain busy, and became a consultant and administrator for the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada. He volunteered with Epiphany Lutheran Church, as well as shared church maintenance duties with Jeffrey. Herb was the team leader of a group of sandbaggers who worked tirelessly to save a home during the flood of 1997. One of his more explosive retirement pastimes was his position as a pyro-technician, where Herb and his cohorts would put together elaborate and colourful fireworks displays for various celebrations.

Herb deep in conversation with our friend Ty at my book launch - March 2011.

Herb met and married Jan in 1979. Throughout their life together, Herb and Jan shared many hobbies, including cross country skiing, gardening, ballroom dancing and relaxing at their trailer at Spruce Sands, Gimli. They belonged for years to a dinner club, which taught them the art of cooking gourmet meals. Herb was also a devoted father, and spent as much time as possible with both of his sons.

Throughout his life, Herb was both an avid builder and outdoorsman. Some of his more notable projects included a five-level tree house in the backyard for the boys, a walnut china cabinet, and a huge storage house and large woodbox that completed the setting for the nightly backyard fires he would share year-round with family and friends.

A large part of Herb’s life was his farm, located near Rossburn, Manitoba. Throughout the years, Herb, Jan and the boys often escaped to the farm to garden, swim, canoe, golf, bike, hike, sit around campfires, shoot targets with shotguns, watch “Lonesome Dove” on VHS and build additions to the house. They would also spend time with their wonderful neighbours and life-long friends Orest and Zelma Salyn, their son Tom (Jeffrey’s godfather), daughters Suzanne and Wanda and their families, as well as all the Maryniuk’s.

A memorial service to honour Herb’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Drive, Winnipeg, with Pastor Stacy Moroz officiating. Herb’s ashes were previously interred at a private family service on January 14. Donations, should you wish, can be sent to the Manitoba Forestry Association.

Below is the book launch video for my debut novel, Pieces. Herb is it it - just scan for the good-looking man in the leather jacket (same outfit as above).