Gilbert Reginald Schmitt

SCHMITT, Gilbert (Bert) Reginald Q.C. "A good book has no ending." Gilbert (Bert) died in his sleep at home in West Vancouver at the age of 90. He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil Gilbert Schmitt, Q.C. and Daisy, and his wife of 61 years Agnes (Klassen d. 2013). His steadfast love for Agnes through her illness inspired everyone who knew him. He will be forever remembered by his son, Douglas and daughter-in-law Nona Sims; his daughter, Frances and son-in-law Luciano Zago; and 3 grandsons Toby, Matteo and Dante. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine; brother-in-law, Ray Hill and their 3 children, Don, Cathy and Brian and his friend Gwen Stinson. Bert was born in Saskatoon, graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a B.A. in Economics and an LL.B (Gold Medal) in 1946. He obtained his LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 1949. His time at Harvard profoundly influenced him. A complex, energetic man who loved life, he enjoyed meeting new people in all walks of life while maintaining many loyal friendships. Bert was a lawyer's lawyer who not only practiced law but also taught and mentored generations of lawyers. He was admitted to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1947 after articling with Moxon, Schmitt & Estey. He moved his family from Saskatoon to Vancouver in 1956 to join Guild Yule & Schmitt and, later, Ferguson Gifford. His practice focused on insurance law. Although academically oriented, he was a rainmaker and a pioneer in marketing legal services. Bert was a Bencher of the Law Society of BC from 1974 to 1977, received his Queen's Counsel in 1982 and the Georges A. Goyer, Q.C. Memorial Award in 1998 when he retired. Throughout his career Bert was an academic, teaching at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law from 1949 to 1956 and as Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Law at UBC, teaching Insurance Law and Professional Responsibility. Bert was a prolific writer of legal articles and short stories. He published the history of the first fifty years of the University of Saskatchewan College of Law, memoirs of his and Agnes's life and even a book of his sermons. In addition to volumes of letters, he maintained a diary from 1955 to the present. Bert was a voracious reader. His interests ranged from Cicero to Harry Potter to the writers of Eastend, Saskatchewan, where the Schmitt homestead was established. He loved history, politics and a good debate. Bert loved music and was a patron of the Seattle Opera and of the Vancouver Symphony. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge through public speaking, from legal education, to addressing the haggis, to New Year's Day sermons. The church held a prominent place in his life providing spiritual fulfillment and fellowship. He served as an Elder at the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church. Bert loved to travel, for business or pleasure. He told stories about parties in Ibiza and Barbados. He may best be remembered as a "Thinking Man's Bon Vivant". Bert enjoyed great food, wine and conversation and could be found, on any day of the week, in the company of these three things at The Vancouver Club or The Capilano Golf and Country Club. Our fondest memories are of enjoying wonderful meals with him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in Bert's memory. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, January 23, 2015 at the West Vancouver Presbyterian Church, 2893 Marine Drive, West Vancouver. Hollyburn Funeral Home 604-922-1221 www.hollyburnfunerals.com