1947 ~ Garry Charles Schmidt ~ 2020

Garry Charles Schmidt passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 73 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lynne Dianne Schmidt of Medicine Hat and his son, Darren (Amanda) Schmidt. Garry was predeceased by his parents Julius and Lara as well as one sister, Georgina.
Garry was born on September 2, 1947 in Calgary. Being taller and larger than most of his peers, he was selected to play goalie for his local West Hillhurst junior hockey squad. His size also suited him well for playing football as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Calgary Colts. He also relished working as door security for a Calgary dance hall in the late 1960’s. His athletic feats earned him a few trophies, lifelong friends, and a shiny set of new dentures.
After high school, Garry graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and worked in retail management for the next 24 years. He met his wife, Lynne, in the late 1970’s and they married in 1980. Garry’s work took them to several cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Burnaby, and ultimately Medicine Hat in 1991.
Garry and Lynne opened the first Arby’s restaurant in Medicine Hat in 1993 and a second location in the Medicine Hat Mall in 1995. He met many wonderful friends during his Arby’s days and, to some, he affectionately became simply known as “Bac-N-Cheddar”. Garry and Lynne sold the business in 2008.
Garry was a dedicated volunteer and gave generously to many charities. His sense of civic duty led him to run for Medicine Hat City Council in 1998 and 2001. He came up short both times, but over the years he continued to help campaign for other local candidates.
In his later years, Garry took up post-retirement work as a transport driver at Hallcon Transport. He shuttled railway employees around southern Alberta and loved sharing stories with the many people he drove with.
Garry was very proud of his son, Darren. They shared the same birthday on September 2. He was a loving and supportive parent and he would brag about Darren to anyone who would listen.
A special thank you to Dr. W. Ruzycki, Dr. P. Best, and the medical team at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Due to COVID-19, an in-person funeral service will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Garry with a donation, may be made to the Kidney Foundation 6007 1a St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Garry Schmidt , or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2020-12-08
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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