Leith Allan Schmeelke, formerly of Champion, passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 88 years.
Leith was born October 17, 1914 in his beloved farm home near Champion, Alberta to William and Carrie Schmeelke. He attended Blusson school and later attended Vermillion and Claresholm agricultural colleges. He farmed with his father before taking over the family farm due to his father’s failing health. Leith was a very talented and knowledgeable man. He operated a farm shop and became known as a mechanic, welder and a general “fix-it” man. He was the first person in the area to obtain a welder’s license and was called upon to do odd jobs, large and small for many years. He overhauled and repaired many cars, trucks, tractors and farm machinery of all kinds. He was also known as an inventor. When he needed a part for something and couldn’t afford to buy or find what he was looking for, he would make one. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix which soon earned him the name “Doc” around the local coal mines, as he was their reliable repair man. He was also called upon many times to polish his skills as a veterinarian.
He did all the electrical wiring in the house and outbuildings when power came through the rural area in 1951. He also did all the plumbing in the old house. For a number of years Leith was the “trouble man” for the Blusson Mutual Rural telephone lines nine and ten.
On June 3, 1955 he married Dora Tindall in Calgary. Together they made their home in Champion along with his mother Carrie for the first seven years of their marriage. In 1986 due to his failing health he turned the farm over to his two sons, Bill and Glen. Leith resided in the original Schmeelke home where he was born until moving to Extendicare in Vulcan on October 24, 2002 and to the Long Term Care at the Vulcan Hospital on January 29, 2003 where he has resided since.
Leith has been a life time supporter of the Lutheran Church, attending services, in the early years, held in different houses, at Champion and Prospect Slope School before services were moved into Vulcan. He served as chairman for two years and secretary-treasurer for 17 years, also contributing generously to church maintenance over a long period of time.
Those of us who knew the silent sufferer had nothing but admiration for his patience, courage and unwavering faith. Leith knew his call was coming; he listened with faith and anticipation; he was ready!
“Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth; Yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labours, and their works do follow them.” KJV Rev. 14:13
Survived by his loving wife of 48 years Dora of Champion, loving father of a daughter Laura (Frank) Tanasychuk of Edmonton, two sons Bill (Sharon) Schmeelke of Champion, Glen (Sue) Schmeelke of Vulcan, nine grandchildren Nathan, Travis, Tony, Daniel, Wade, Matthew, Kolby, Alex and Joel, one sister Marion (Earl) Stenson of Lacombe, one brother-in-law Victor Leonhardt of Wetaskiwin, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Leith was predeceased by his parents William Oscar and Carrie (Dibb) Schmeelke and by two sisters Mary in infancy and Elsie Leonhardt.
Funeral Service September 15, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church, Vulcan with Pastor Theo Reiner officiating.
Interment Champion Cemetery.
Casket bearers Nathan Schmeelke, Travis Schmeelke, Marvin Vaage, Duane Dunn, Gordon Hagg and Eric Brown.
If friends so desire, tributes in Leith’s memory could be made to Canadian Diabetes Association, 105, 7500 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0L9, Bethel Lutheran Church Box 476, Vulcan T0L 2B0, Lutheran Layman’s League of Canada, 270 Lawrence Ave. Kitchener N2M 1Y4.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.