Obituary of Hermann Wilhelm Schick

SCHICK: Hermann W. Schick, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, October 5, 2015, surrounded by his family. Hermann was born on April 10, 1924 in Mannheim, West Germany. Dad and Mom immigrated to Canada from Germany in 1954. Landing in Quebec City, they traveled across the country to Winnipeg, before settling in the smaller community of Brandon. They spent many Sunday afternoons going for drives through the countryside exploring their adopted homeland. Dad learned his carpentry trade from his father in Mannheim. He found employment in his trade working for Steve Magnacca, before going into business on his own. We all have our own memories of helping Dad in his "shop," where we learned to aim for perfection, good quality workmanship, earning your keep and the odd curse word. Dad worked long days so evenings were his down time. He enjoyed watching TV, especially sports and comedy shows. Over the years he was involved in soccer and curling, and regularly enjoyed playing canasta. In the early years, starting his own business and raising a family did not allow for many luxuries. Once things became more established, Dad added travel to the family's educational experiences. He was always impressed with the vastness and diversity of his chosen country having traveled it from coast to coast. He loved his maps and was the master navigator. In retirement, Dad and Mom's travel excursions extended into the southern states and numerous return trips to Germany. As much as Hermann loved being an Opa, he didn't take to the name too quickly, claiming it was a title for an old man. And although he may not have been too hands on with young kids, he did like to joke with them and tried to pass on his knowledge of the ways of the world. Dad loved to read which was evident by his book club memberships and personal library. He encouraged reading and the knowledge that was gained from it. He enjoyed the challenge of crosswords and was very articulate in his second language. Dad was a very private, proper, respectful and unassuming man. He expected the same from his family. A 60+ year parishioner of St. Augustine's, he left his mark of craftsmanship in the church as well as in its school. Dad spent the last 8 years at Fairview Personal Care Home where he worked his way into the hearts of those who cared for him. Hermann leaves to mourn his children Charles, Helen (Brian) Forsyth, Rosie Thompson and Richard (Kim). Opa will also be missed by his six grandchildren: Brett and Ashley Forsyth, Ryan and Krista Thompson and Noah and Seacret Schick. Predeceased by his parents Karl Schick and Anna Wackershauser, his sister Marta, sisters-in-law Inge Schick and Elise Volk. He also leaves to mourn a brother Ernst, sister Rosemarie (Heinz), in-laws Ida and Ludwig Egenberger, Wilhelm and Rita Hartmann and many nieces and nephews in Germany. Mass of Christian burial took place on October 9, 2015 at St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick Neufeld as Celebrant. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Donations in memory of Hermann may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Palliative Care" or to a charity of choice.