Obituary of Gregory (Greg) John Joseph Schmalz

GREGORY (GREG) JOHN JOSEPH SCHMALZ

Greg, late of Wilcox, SK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the age of 68 years. He was predeceased by parents Cecil and Alice; brothers Joseph and Michael, and sister Marion. Greg is survived by his loving wife Norine; eight children, Rebecca (Jamie) Babcock, Andie Schmalz (Jeff) McAfee, Erin (Jo-Jo) Herndon, Jenny (Bryant) Westerman, Mark (Elaine), Brian, Mike, and Karalyn (Joash) Picard; sixteen  grandchildren; siblings, Sarah, Janet (Cliff), Paul (Karla), Therese Kvisle, Joanne (Peter) Mumford, Tony (Shelley), Mark (Sandy), Dale (Shelly), and John (Jennifer); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Greg faithfully served the community of Wilcox through many facets. He was a pioneer for women's athletics, he introduced ringette and softball to girls’ sports. Greg started the women's hockey program at Notre Dame to provide the girls with opportunity. While at Notre Dame, he coached many champion men's hockey teams, from FDB to Midget, to PeeWee hockey, sometimes at the same time. He excelled at skate sharpening, perhaps that was his edge with coaching. He also coached award-winning soccer, track and field, and cross country teams. He was an active member of St. Augustine's parish and he served on town counsel for two terms. Greg was a teacher at Notre Dame for 25 years and Dojack Youth Detention Centre for 8 years. He entered the entrepreneurial world with Mannatech in 1996, helping many with his knowledge and supplements. A generous man, he quietly contributed to many charities that touched his heart. He was an outdoor enthusiast, often biking or walking with his dogs. In the summer he loved gardening, photographing nature, and water skiing at Conestoga. In winter, he would take his kids tobogganing, and as they grew up, he would take them with his grandkids to the rink or the creek for a skate. His greatest joy and achievement was always his large family that he shared with Norine for 47 years. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK,  on Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00  p.m. with prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Service will be held at St. Augustine Parish, Wilcox, SK, on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. Reception to follow in Varsity Hall. Family and friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to the Father David Bauer Bursary at Notre Dame College, Box 100, Wilcox, SK, S0G 5E0 or to the Wilcox Memorial Cenotaph Fund.