On March 5, just as the sun came up, Frederick Gerhardt Schmidt, age 85, died peacefully in Toronto, ON.

Fred was a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Born in Monterey, MN in 1937, he studied science at Valparaiso University in Indiana before transferring to Concordia College in St. Paul, MN where he met his future wife, Marilyn Boock, an elementary school teacher. In 1961, Fred graduated with a BA from Concordia Sr. College in in Fort Wayne, IN and received an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO in 1965. Fred and Marilyn married in 1962 and moved to Painesville, OH where Fred served a vicarage at Zion Lutheran Church. Upon graduation he was ordained in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and sent to serve as Pastor to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Edmonton AB. He later would serve Bethlehem Lutheran in Vancouver, BC, Meadowvale Lutheran in Mississauga ON, and Grace Lutheran in Hamilton ON. In retirement, he served as an interim minister in the Upper La Have-Rhodes Corner Parish in Nova Scotia. He was pastor during a time of change in society and the church, providing innovative creative leadership in mission and ecumenical settings. A descendant of many generations of Lutheran clergy, in his own words, he grew “away from a narrow and ridged view to one with more openness and flexibility in theology, Biblical interpretation, and practice of ministry.” Fred was known in his ministry for his wisdom and his steady, grace-filled presence. In his life and ministry, he strived to seek justice, to do kindness and to walk humbly with his Creator.

Throughout his career Fred remained grounded in his love of learning, science, nature, art, literature and music. He enjoyed hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, and exploring the out-of-doors in the many places he lived. Until his last days, Fred was an avid reader. In quiet ways, he was an important figure in the lives of many.

Fred’s life was enriched by a wide group of dear friends that included seminary classmates, colleagues, and many others he encountered along the way who shared his passion for music, nature, art and travel. In retirement, Marilyn and Fred, continued to enjoy the beautiful nature of Dundas valley (known to his grandchildren as “grandpa’s woods”) and became part of a community of seniors hikers and cyclists. Fred took up painting, and he and Marilyn enjoyed art galleries and museums, concerts, films, and reading. They also explored the world with months-long road trips across North America, visits with family and friends, and travels to Europe and Latin America. A highlight of his retirement was being grandfather to Annika, Martin, and Maya, who each inherited his curiosity about and love of nature, and commitment to a better, more just world.

Fred’s companion in his journey, Marilyn, passed away in the fall of 2021. The oldest of five, Fred is survived by his brothers and their wives H. Paul and Sylvia, Steve and Diane (dec.), Leon and Marlene, and Bob and Kathy; Marilyn’s two younger brothers and their wives Dave and Cheri, and Jerry and Darcy; his son Michael, daughter-in-law Teajai; his son Jonathan, and daughter-in-law Alice; and three grandchildren Annika, Martin and Maya Schmidt, whom Fred showered with love

Fred’s life mirrored the words of his favourite psalm, “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” In memoriam, gifts can be given to any organization of your choice that works toward a more just world, supports the arts, or cares for creation. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 104 Hughson St. N, Hamilton, ON, at 11:00 a.m. ET, March 14, 2023. The service will be livestreamed. To request the link, please email jschmidtNM(at)msn.com prior to March 14. Later in the year, there will be a graveside service and interment at Marilyn’s resting place in Spencer, WI.

“Here dies another day
During which I have had eyes, ears, hands
And the great world round me;
And with tomorrow begins another.
Why am I allowed two?”
- C.K. Chesterton