It is with great sadness that we share that Svend Aage Schmidt, 74, of Sherwood Park, Alberta, passed away suddenly on Monday June 6, 2022 at his home. As per Svend’s wishes there will be no funeral and a private small family celebration of life will be held.
Svend was born January 16th, 1948 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He graduated from the University of Alberta in 1972. Svend was employed first as a teacher and then a principal with Elk Island Public Schools for over 30 years. He was a leader in his profession and highly respected. He loved his job, his colleagues and the community he served. He was an advocate and mentor for all his students. They meant the world to him.
In his leisure time Svend enjoyed traveling the world, and especially visiting California with his family. He enjoyed talking politics and finances, playing games and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a master at chess and crib and was seldom beaten. Everyone tried but ultimately failed.
Svend is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Frances; daughters, Michelle Planden and Heather (Roger) Lockwood; and son Mark (Kathleen) Schmidt; grandchildren, Eric and Alex Planden, Ethan, Ashley and Joshua Lockwood, Harley, Eva and Molly Schmidt. Svend will be remembered fondly by his sister; Joanne (Paul) Godfrey, and his brother; Torben Schmidt.
He was predeceased by his parents, Emil and Tove Schmidt.
There is a sacredness in tears,
They are not the mark of weakness, but of power,
They speak more eloquently, than 10,000 tongues,
They are messengers of overwhelming grief,
Of deep contrition and of unspeakable love.
Condolences can be shared on the funeral home website under obituaries; simplycremations.com
Condolences to your family. Never met Svend , or any of you . However we are family. Fathers were brothers.
I can see Svend was well loved and a good man.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Sven. He was my principal at Pine Street in the 1990’s and was the kindest and most supportive boss a teacher could ask for. He has always been my favourite principal. I won’t forget the staff comraderie forged over lunches at Boston Pizza and the help received re:my first Christmas concert. Again, sincere condolences to your family.
I taught with Svend for many years at Pine Street. I have such fond memories of our Friday lunches at Boston Pizza and the Nordegg trips where we talked about everything and anything. Svend was a kind, calm man and was a wonderful person to work for. I will miss him.
With each new day may peace find a place in your heart and take comfort in your memories. Expressing deepest sympathy.
Heather, Roger, Ethan, Ashley, and Joshua,
Thinking of all of you. Keep the memories of your Dad/Granddad alive and he will always be with you.
So sorry to hear of this. I always liked Svend and enjoyed all the stories of his adventures. I consider him a true gentleman in the old sense. My best wishes for all the family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Fran and family, on the loss of Svend. He was an amazing person, educator and leader. He brought out the best in those who worked with him; I never wanted to let him down. Svend gave me my start in teaching for Elk Island Public Schools, and I will always be grateful to both of you for your support and mentorship. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you for all you taught us, Svend. I remember your “greatest joy” in the world. It was your “wonderful beloved family”. Bless you.
My all-time favourite teacher and I was privileged to be in his first as well as second class! I still have the quarter I won for getting the most 100%’s in grade 6 math and that year was by far my best year of school. I was just telling my neighbour a couple weeks ago of my two great years at Pine Street with Mr. Schmidt, as she told me her sons now attend there. The world needs more teachers like Mr. Schmidt! So sorry for your loss way too soon. May your sweet memories of him carry you through these days of sorrow.
Svend, was such a gentle, loving person. My condolences go out to the family at this time.
Mr. Schmidt was my home room Grade 6 Teacher at Pine Street Elementary School in 1976. In those days, the majority of our Grade 6 curriculum was geared towards a year end school trip to Nordegg Alberta. All I can say is that year was one of the most formative years in my young life. I was simply amazed at the natural world surrounding us. We learned about Mountains, Glacification, Rivers, Exploration by our early Fur Traders. Thank you for opening my eyes and stirring my imagination. It led to a life-long passion and career in the outdoors and natural sciences. I honestly can’t think of any other teacher throughout my school years that had such a lasting impact in my life. My sincere condolences to Mr. Schmidt’s family.
I was saddened by the news of Svend’s passing. I worked with him at Fort Elementary and we became friends. I have fond memories of those years and wish we hadn’t lost touch. My heart goes out to Fran and the rest of the family.
Svend holds a special place in my heart as he took a chance on me and hired me into my first teaching role with EIPS. He was a kindhearted soul who always wore a smile and was willing to chat. He touched many lives and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Sending my deepest condolences to his family. You are all in my thoughts.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. Sending you all much love.
My sincere condolences to you and the whole family. You are enveloped with love and prayers as you deal with your loss
I was a teacher at Pine Street in Sherwood Park when Svend was principal there. He was such a lovely man, kind and caring. I always felt that I could go to his office and discuss any problems that I had. He even kept a box of tissue just for his teachers as there were often tears. But, there was laughter much more often. I send my condolences to his family who I know will miss him dearly.
Svend, my friend for nearly 60 years, will be deeply missed. Our conversations about family, friends, and topics of the moment as well as reminiscing about the past made up only a few of the topics!
Thank you for your time, thoughts, concerns and generosity. Going to miss those times both happy and sad shared over the years. Love to all your family!
I am so saddened by Svend’s sudden passing. He was one of our oldest and most loved friend. He will be greatly missed.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Thinking of you . Sending big hugs.
He was my first EIPS principal- and such a lovely, caring man. He was respected and admired and will be so very missed.
My thoughts are with you all,
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time Heather, Roger, Ashley, Ethan and Joshua.