Obituary of Robert Christopher Schadlich

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Christopher Schadlich on Sunday, Oct 29, 2023 at the age of 86.  Born in Lumsden, Sask, Robert lived on a small farm in Disley, Sask. with his parents & 4 younger siblings.  At 16, Robert lost his dad & left the farm for Edmonton, AB in search of work to help support the family.  In 1956 he met his wife, Ruth, in Lumsden.  They married in 1958 & had 5 children.  For several years, Robert tried his hand at many trades before deciding Heavy Duty Mechanics was the best fit.  He was an adventurous man with big dreams & in 1971 he moved his family to Sparwood, B.C.  This began his love affair with the mountains.  In 1976, Robert moved his family for the final time to an acreage near Cranbrook, B.C.  With the help of his sons, he built his “dream shop”.  During the next 47 years, he spent many enjoyable hours in the shop applying his skills to all types of projects.  Robert made it a priority to pass on his extensive knowledge of the trades & his work ethic to his children. Throughout his career, he was a mentor to many mechanical apprentices & freely offered his knowledge & help to many of his friends & neighbors. 

Robert loved relaxing and adventuring with his wife, kids, extended family & many friends.  When he wasn’t working, he loved the outdoors & often went camping, fishing, boating, ski-dooing & exploring.  He always extended an “open door” invitation to his children’s many friends & included them in his family’s many adventures.  Over the years, Robert & Ruth were able to fit in some travelling to destinations such as Cancun, Cuba, Alaska, Florida and their favorite trip, travelling across Canada.  He was a wonderful husband, father & provider who always put his wife & children’s happiness & well-being first.

Robert leaves behind his wife, Ruth, of 65 years & five children, Allan (Peggy), Randy (Dodie), Rod (Jolie), Glenn (Bonnie) and Karen. He also leaves to mourn, his sister, Doreen Cutting (Harvey) & Brother, David Schadlich as well as Sister-in-laws, Brother-in-laws, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.  Robert is pre-deceased by parents, Christopher & Anna Schadlich, sister, Isabelle Eisler & brother, Dennis Schadlich.

Our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for all the love & support we’ve received from family & friends.  Thank-you to the Cranbrook medical, home care & palliative care staff for their care of Robert.  A very special thank-you and recognition goes to the Cranbrook & Trail Dialysis & Renal teams for their wonderful care, patience & compassion towards Robert & our family.

In line with Robert’s wishes, there will be no formal service.  A Memorial Tea & gathering will be held in Cranbrook, B.C. at the McPherson Funeral Home, 2200 – 2 St. S, on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 1pm- 3pm.   A further “Celebration of Life” for Robert will be held in Spring of 2024.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Kidney foundation are welcomed.