SCHMIDT, Frank Schmidt

SCHMIDT, Frank  –  Frank had many loves: fast ice, bluebird days on the mountain, the view of Georgian Bay from the chalet he built, a shiny new car, a good single malt and, above all, his wife, Patricia.

Frank, 80, died peacefully, on his own terms, on March 28, 2024 at Ajax-Pickering Hospital, with Pat by his side.

Years ago, he survived his first battle with cancer and then, in his 70s, paralysis from a spinal infection.

He spent months in rehab at the Lyndhurst Centre, fighting to regain mobility and return to an active lifestyle. In addition to Pat (née Drake), his beloved wife of 50-plus years, Frank is survived by sisters-in-law Vicki and Julia (Norman), and a host of cousins and good friends.

He made many of those friends through his passion for skiing, baseball, golf and hockey, especially through the Bob Baun Oldtimers group. Frank was predeceased by his father, Frank O. Schmidt, and his mother, Mary (née Steger).

Born in Toronto, Frank studied business at the former Ryerson University, and went on to a fulfilling sales career. He and Pat enjoyed travel, but more so their days in Craigleith and in their beautiful garden in Pickering. Known for his quick mind and his many connections, Frank had a wealth of knowledge in diverse fields, and he was always happy to help.

As Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” Frank took his shots and lived a full and happy life. If there’s a hockey team in heaven, they’ve gained one helluva winger.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please take a walk in nature, help a kid learn a sport, or pay it forward by grabbing a coffee for a friend or stranger.

CanadianObituaries.com

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