Leonard Allan Schmidt, age 57, passed away peacefully December 28, 2017 with his loving wife and son by his side after an epic battle with lymphoma. The second born of five children, Len and his siblings grew up in Southwood - in a house where his mother Anne still resides. Len joined the family business C. Schmidt Plastering Ltd and became a member of IATSE Local 212 just like his Dad. He was always working whether it be stuccoing or stage and film work. No matter the job, he always showed his strong work ethic. Eventually he would transition to solely working stage and film. No call was too big or too small to accept. When Ian called we knew not to make other plans. Stage and film gave him many adventures and memorable experiences; the good, the bad and the ugly – which is ironic as he worked with Clint Eastwood on Unforgiven. Len was a respected member of IATSE Local 212 for 39 years. We are so grateful to his fellow IATSE members who covered his shifts while he went to medical appointments. Our sincerest gratitude to Roy Johnson and Ivan Hawkes.

Len and Bonnie married in 1993. He was incredibly handsome, caring and always kept her laughing. They had two sons, John and Jack. Len was a loving and caring father who was always there when you needed him. He was a hands on dad. His crying babies were no match for Len’s unlimited patience. As Jack grew up, the two had many adventures. Len could make anything fun whether it be the city dump or the fly floor and beyond.

Len is deeply missed by his wife of 24 years Bonnie Dittmann and son Jack; mother Anne; sisters Pat (Terry) and Pam; brothers Rick (Betty Ann) and Gord (Madelyn) and their families; Cory Dittmann (Jennifer) and their family. He was predeceased by his son John (1994) and father Clarence (2014).

We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Leslie Street and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Dr. Gilles Lauzon, Dr. Justin Chia, Dr. Mark Vacy-Lyle, Dr. Adnan Mithwani, Dr. Kerr, Dr. Gerardo Cuadros-Romero, Dr. Simon Colgan, Nurse Dennis of Unit 93, and the staff of the Rockyview Hospital.

Throughout his battle with cancer my Dad needed a lot of blood. In lieu of flowers if you are willing and able please become a blood donor.

A celebration to honour Len’s life will be held at a later date.
“Take your time getting there, but hurry back” – Len Schmidt