Godfrey Schmidt passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at the Yorkton & District Nursing Home in Yorkton, K.. He was 91 years of age. Godfrey was born on May 26, 1922, the youngest of eight children born to William and Emilie (nee Guse) Schmidt. He received his education at Burke School and the Yorkton Collegiate Institute where he graduated from the three year Commercial Class. His first employment was with the Travellers' 2000 Club and from there he entered the Armed Services in July of 1941. He received his basic training with the army at Maple Creek, SK. and advanced training in reconnaissance at Dundurn, SK.. Godfrey saw overseas duty from October, 1944 to the end of the war and was attached to the Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, with the Intelligence section of Headquarters squadron. On his return to civilian life, Godfrey was employed by Ball Cartage Company, first driving taxi and later long distance trucking. In June of 1948 he joined the staff of S & H Motors as an Accountant and later transferred to the sales staff. He remained as a General Motors Salesman in that building for 30 years, subsequently working for Korb Motors Ltd. and Logan Chev-Olds. In June of 1978, Godfrey became part owner of One Stop Auto Body Ltd., where he remained until his retirement in 1982. He then did some part-time accounting for Thorsrud's United Carpet until 1987. In June of 1951, Godfrey was united in marriage to Betty Anderson. Their union was blessed with the birth of three sons, Gordon, Les and David. Godfrey was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, at various times acting on Council and special committees. Godfrey joined the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #77, in October of 1945. Over the years he served on the executive, was an organizer of the local Legion Bonspiel for many years and always was an active volunteer with the Legion. Godfrey was a Past Counsellor of the United Commercial Travellers, Local Council #578. He was also a Past President and Honorary Life Member of the Yorkton Curling Club and served as a Trustee on the Yorkton Public School Board for 17 years. Godfrey was an ardent curler, golfer and in earlier years, loved fishing at Madge Lake, SK. He played catcher for the Hudson Bay Company Beavers fastball team for several years, and loved a good game of hockey, having played with Midget and Juvenile teams in Yorkton. He was a Cub Pack Leader with the Boy Scout movement in Yorkton for a number of years. In his retirement years, a good game of bridge became his passion. He was a long time member of the Yorkton Duplicate Bridge Club. Time spent at the summer cottage, since 1958, was the highlight of Godfrey's life. Family and friends were always welcomed at "the lake". Godfrey was predeceased by his parents, William and Emilie and his siblings, Rheinold, Olga, Fred, Joe, Perle, Phyllis and Ida. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty and their sons, Gordon (Lynne), Les (Barb) and David (Joyce); his grandchildren, Kailey (Aaron), Dana (Steve), Lara (Justin), Erica and Andrew; and his great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Noah and Joshua as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Services were held on Monday, September 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorkton, SK. with Pastor Fred Schneider officiating. Godfrey's son, Gordon Schmidt shared words of tribute and eulogy. The organist, David Schmidt (Godfrey's son) led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer, "Precious Lord, Take my Hand" and "Onward Christian Soldiers". Legion Funeral Rites were conducted with John Miller serving as the Padre and Peter Wyatt as the Sergeant-at-Arms. George Arnold, Russell Bisschop, Bill Dicker and Fred Bodnaryk as well as other members of the General Alexander Ross, Branch #77 of the Royal Canadian Legion served as the Colour Party. The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Godfrey's Grandchildren, Kailey Morrison, Dana Garner, Lara Ludwig, Erica Schmidt and Andrew Schmidt serving as the Urn Bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK,..
