Obituary of Jacob Albert Schwartz

It is with deep sadness and full hearts that we mourn the loss of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Al Schwartz. He will be lovingly cherished by his wife of 67 years, Georgina (Jean) Schwartz; his two children, Linda (Tim Trivett) of Cochrane, AB and Lorne (Laureen) of North Vancouver; grandchildren, Ryan Schwartz (Kate), Robyn Trivett (Michael) and Jordan Schwartz (Jessica); and his great-grandson Adrian Schwartz. Jacob is also survived by one brother, Gerald Schwartz (Sally); sister-in-law Audrey (Walter Biech); numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

 

A native of Saskatchewan, Al was born on the family farm near Hallonquist, SK to Henry and Mary (Vandemark) Schwartz. He is predeceased by his parents; brothers (and sisters-in law), John (in childhood), George (Emilie) and William (Constance); parents-in-law, Gustave and Molly Hoffman, and sister-in-law Margaret Bender (Elmer).

 

Most of Al’s career was with the Government of Saskatchewan (Department of Highways and Transportation) in Regina. He began as a draftsperson (1954) and held successive responsible positions with that ministry (including postings in the Construction and Management Services Branches), retiring in 1987 as Director, Support Services Division. His “second career”, for ten years, was his great joy in serving senior citizens at Pioneer Village in Regina, where he planned and managed the construction of new housing and (on the side) volunteered his time to file tax returns for many Pioneer Village residents. Al was very fulfilled in retirement as a volunteer board member of his condo association and was an avid participant in social activities hosted in his retirement community.

 

Al was a devoted Christian and churchman, serving on the local board of Youth for Christ in the 1960s, as a lay leader and board member of Parkdale Church of the Nazarene (1970s and 1980s), and as a board member of the Canada West District Advisory Board, and later, the National Advisory Board for the Church of the Nazarene Canada (1980s and 1990s). Al and Jean contributed many hours each week serving their local church; they participated in international volunteer missions, and hosted hundreds of church youth, Christian college and seminary students in their home. In later years, they continued to be very active with the Heritage Builders (seniors) at Parliament Community Church in Regina, participating in bible studies, social events and excursions.

 

Al had a wide circle of influence; as a husband, father, grandfather, family member and friend, he embodied qualities of wisdom, strength, grace and vulnerability. He lived his life with integrity and humbleness and practiced hospitality and generosity, setting an example for us all to follow. He prayed for each member of his family—every day. These actions were an outward expression of his confession of faith, his recognition that we are all in need of grace, and his joy in being a child of God. We are better people because we knew him and because he loved us.

A memorial service will take place at Parliament Community Church (Regina) at a future date and time to be determined.