Arie Joseph Matthijs Schimmel

We are devastated to grieve the loss of a man who stole Elizabeth’s heart. Arie was G.O.A.T. dad, adoring son, kick ass brother, awesome uncle, great nephew and dedicated friend to many. We certainly cannot forget Arie was the kind of human any pet could dream of, but it was Frank who won that lottery.

Arie is lovingly remembered and cherished by his children Austin and Attison; soulmate Elizabeth Hofer, her children Nevaeh and Blake and Grandma Rose; parents Martin and Rae Schimmel; siblings: Don (Kathi) Hamm with son Geoffrey; Pam (Ken) Werbiski with sons Lyndon (Alana), Bryce (Kellie) with daughters Addy and Willa-Rae, Nathan with sons Theodore and Oliver; Meredith Schimmel with children MacKenzie McFadden (Caden) and Tie McFadden; Leta (Rob) Douma with daughter Chantel Bruynson (Nik); Jana-Rae Schimmel with children Rielle Wiebe (Sam), RaeAnne Wiebe, Madisyn Wiebe and Ryker Williamson. Arie will be remembered by Ryan (Jen) Wiebe and Ryan (Candace) Pilkington. Arie has numerous aunts and uncles who will also remember him fondly: Bep Hamer, John (Betty) Schimmel, Anne (Tim) Ward, Janet (Patrick) Loyer Schimmel, Jack (Phyllis) Schimmel, Tony (Patti) Schimmel, Ken Smith and all their families.

Arie was predeceased by Opa and Oma Schimmel, Nana reta Duffy, nephews Ethan John and Daniel S.J., aunts Pat Smith (Duffy) and Marianne Janz (Schimmel and uncle Jack Hamer.

Arie was the embodiment of a man who embraced life in all its forms! Play, work and family. There was no denying that Arie had entered a room – a laugh, silly comment, a funky dance move or a hug announced his arrival! He had a natural talent for hockey, golf, baseball, hunting and fishing. Arie always thought he was gifted at playing corn hole, dubbing himself the “Corn Hole King” however, this is widely disputed! Arie loved spending time with family and friends camping, sitting around the fire shooting the shit or just enjoying a cold beer on the deck! He had a knack for making people feel like they were the most important person in the room and loved to make people laugh! When he loved, he loved hard. When he played, he played hard. When he worked, he worked hard. Arie never hesitated to do what needed to be done at the farm or anywhere. He loved being at the farm – the work, the people, the atmosphere. Arie’s last name is Schimmel but somehow he became a Douma as soon as he turned off Highway 26!

 "When do we order a pail of bird and a pie?”

Honorary pallbearers for the Portage gathering are: Don Hamm, Scott Vint, Ryan Pilkington, Ryan Wiebe, Terry Bachalo, Cody Sponarski, Brett Simpson, Michael Belton and Eugene Chan.

There will be a gathering at Douma Farms, date to be determined.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com