04/22/2026
Dr. Horst Schmid founded our group in 1968, and has been a staunch supporter of us and of the German-Canadian community through his long life and career, and indeed of the whole multicultural mosaic. We owe him a debt of gratitude, which we try to fulfill by keeping our language, culture and music alive and vibrant.
DR. HORST A. SCHMID (1933-2026)
The Funeral Mass will be held this Friday, April 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Basilica (10044 113 Street NW). Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held this Friday, April 24, 2026 starting at 3:00 PM in the main ballroom at the German Canadian Cultural Centre (8310 Roper Road NW). Doors open at 2:30 PM).
To aid in planning, please RSVP for the Celebration of Life by 4:00 PM on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2XVZNS7
More links here: https://www.vschmid.ca/HALCS/
The Honorable Horst Adolph Louis Charles Schmid ECA passed away the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026. He was ninety-two.
Born in April 1933 in Munich, Bavaria, he emigrated from there to Canada in 1952 and worked in the gold mines in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. After moving to Edmonton in 1956, he performed many roles and services (among them CKUA radio host; taxi driver; insurance agent; international import/export; co-owner of the popular Hofbrauhaus; founder of (and dancer in) the Bavarian Schuhplattlers of Edmonton), culminating -- in 1971 -- being elected in Edmonton Avonmore. Peter Lougheed named Mr. Schmid Minister of Culture, Youth, and Recreation, an inaugural cabinet position that was transformative and fundamental in countless initiatives, enthusiasms, and tangible, robust support throughout the province (the winning bid for 1978 Commonwealth Games, and the creation of the Heritage Day holiday and ensuing Heritage Festivals, Folk Festivals, cultural institutions, foundations, grant programs, The Canadian Encyclopedia, and Historical Resources Act being but a few examples). Other, subsequent government positions included: Government Services; Economic Development and International Trade; Tourism; and Commissioner General for Trade and Tourism.
Horst's fondness and appreciations for Alberta and for Canada were best described in his thoughtful "May I Ask You" speech given in Winnipeg in 1978. Among his proudest days was when he was made honorary Chief Flying Eagle (he received countless provincial, national, and international recognitions and expressions of appreciation), and he will be remembered for his unwavering, decades-long commitment to public service, his passion for culture and everyone's heritage, and his enduring impact on Alberta's social and economic fabric.
He is predeceased by his wife (Arleen Dale Maria), a son (Bernard Charles Claudius), two brothers (Stefan and Siegfried), and dozens of good, close friends of many decades (not least Stefanie (Steffi) Diepold). He is survived by three children (Vernon, Carla (Marvin), and Jeannine (Jeff)), two grandchildren (Charlene (Deepak) and Stephen), two great-grandchildren (Brindan and Kieran), his sister Isolde and brother Roland, and thousands of friends and acquaintances.
