Harold Schaan

Harold Frederick Schaan

Peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2015 with family by his side, Harold Schaan was called by our Lord and Saviour to his Eternal Home.

Harold leaves to mourn his beloved wife Elaine of 49 years, his mother Martha, his children Chad (Leslie), Craig (Krista), Colin (Dawn), Candace, and Carlyss (Bill); his 10 grandchildren Brianna, Brendan, Amanda, River, Dylan, Brayden, Jazmin, Eric, Darien, and Callan; his brothers Ralph (Sandra), Dale (Eleanor), Glen (Wendy), his sisters Lucille (Bob), and Barbara (Tim) as well as uncle Herb (Laura) and aunts Emma, and Minette (Delmar), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Harold was predeceased by his father Jack, his sister Janet Marcia in infancy, his inlaws Eugene and Carolina Wagner, his grandparents, one niece, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Harold was born in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan on May 17, 1943. He grew up on the family farm near Churchbridge, Saskatchewan. Harold married his high school sweetheart Elaine (nee Wagner) on May 20, 1966 and moved to Churchbridge to begin their life together. Harold started a career in the lumber business at the local Co-op. With a young family in tow, they briefly moved to Thompson, Manitoba where he worked in the mine. In 1971, he had the opportunity to move to Portage la Prairie to pursue the lumber business and soon after became a manager at the Portage Co-op. With the family still growing, Harold decided to follow his dream and in 1977, opened his own lumberyard, in partnership, and H & R Lumber was established. Harold worked passionately and tirelessly with a 'whistle as you work' attitude and in 2008 retired from business.

Dad was a devoted father and husband always putting family first. He made countless trips back to the farms in Saskatchewan despite the long drive and five children (Dad never did turn that car around). Throughout the years, Dad supported his family is every respect. He was a proud father who put our needs well before his own. Dad’s happiness was in helping others.

Harold and Elaine built a cottage at Lake of the Prairie in 1998 where he loved to spend time fishing and roasting wieners over the fire (Dad loved his burnt hot dogs). He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing at the cottage, cooking, baking, gardening, and being outdoors.

Harold was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a longstanding and active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in which he held various positions. He particularly loved music and had a beautiful voice which filled the church.

Harold will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially his family who he loved and cherished.

Dad, we are so thankful for everything you did for us and everything you taught us. We are grateful for the time we had with you and will deeply miss you.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 20 -12 St. NW, Portage la Prairie, MB.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Harold's memory to the Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Funeral Chapel.