Obituary of Larry Schumacher

With profound sadness and loss, the family of John Lawrence (Larry) Schumacher announced his passing on April 16, 2020 at the Miller Crossing Care Centre in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 86. He is survived by his children, Brian Schumacher (Barb) and their children, Chris, Sarah Fuchs (Brad) and Brad; Dave Schumacher (Brenna Rieberer), Barb Kellock (Gary) and their children, Nick (Tasha), Daynon, and Austen; Marilyn Deblue (Jean Pierre) and their children, Mark, Shawn and Laura; Janet Tryhuba (Jerry) and their children, Andrew (Allie), and Kyle (Jess Dugas); Lori Nikiforuk (Nick) and their children, Ryan, Cole and Lauren; five great grandchildren, Graffin, Lydon, Michael, Claire and Zoey; sister, Shirley Gatenby; sisters in law, Leona Wyers, Doris Nickel, Karen Nickel; brother in law, Harry Nickel. Larry was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Clara; parents, Sarah Davison Schumacher (Mclauchlin) and Francis Joseph (Pat) Schumacher; sister, Frances Rampling; brothers-in-law, Otto Wyers, George Nickel and Kenneth Gatenby. Larry was born in Provost Alberta on July 4, 1933, the second child in his family of three children. The 30’s were difficult times but his loving family managed through. Larry was a smart young man who enjoyed baseball, playing with his sisters and math. He completed all of his schooling in Provost. When he was young his dad founded Pat’s Garage, a General Motors dealership and service station. The family business took a lot of hard work and time. Larry spent many hours at the shop with his Dad. Larry completed the first year of his Civil Engineering program at the U of A before taking over the garage full time. Larry met and married Clara Nickel and together they had 6 children. Their lives together were full with family, friends, church and community. Their values were strong and deeply rooted in faith. They imparted this to their children. Larry loved golf, curling, coin collecting, playing cards, going for coffee with friends, snowmobiling, hunting and doing service activities through the Kinsmen Club. He loved volunteering his time with the Provost Piranhas Swim Club, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, STA School and Rosenheim Historical Society. Larry loved cars, trucks and anything automotive, (as long as it wasn’t a Ford). Like his dad before him, Larry spent a lot of time at the shop with his boys. He took the whole family to Disneyland in 1974. Later he enjoyed travelling with Clara to see family in Switzerland and to other places like Las Vegas, Mexico, Panama, Alaska; and Hawaii. He always made time for family with birthday gatherings, boating, camping, and going to the lake. Larry was a very hard working, reliable man who was fair, kind and of strong moral character. He role modelled these qualities for all of those he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be sadly missed by many but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in his children, their children and those who had the pleasure of knowing him. A private graveside service will be held for immediate family. A full mass and celebration of life service will be held at a later date for friends and the community. Details will be posted online with Gregory’s Funeral Home Inc. and the Provost News. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire donations are graciously being accepted at Rosenheim Historical Society P.O. Box 976 Provost AB TOB 3S0 or Donate online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/rosenheim-historical-society/