Horst A. Schmid

The Honorable Horst Adolph Louis Charles Schmid ECA passed away the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026. He was ninety-two.

Born in April, 1933 in Munich, Bavaria, he emigrated from there to Canada in 1952 and worked in the gold mines in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. After moving to Edmonton in 1956, he performed many roles and services (among them CKUA radio host; taxi driver; insurance agent; international import/export; co-owner of the popular Hofbräuhaus; founder of (and dancer in) the Bavarian Schuhplattlers of Edmonton), culminating -- in 1971 -- being elected in Edmonton Avonmore. Peter Lougheed named Mr. Schmid Minister of Culture, Youth, and Recreation, an inaugural cabinet position that was transformative and fundamental in countless initiatives, enthusiasms, and tangible, robust support throughout the province (the winning bid for 1978 Commonwealth Games, and the creation of the Heritage Day holiday and ensuing Heritage Festivals, Folk Festivals, cultural institutions, foundations, grant programmes, The Canadian Encyclopedia, and Historical Resources Act being but a few examples). Other, subsequent government positions included: Government Services; Economic Development and International Trade; Tourism; and Commissioner General for Trade and Tourism.

Horst's fondness and appreciations for Alberta and for Canada were best described in his thoughtful "May I Ask You" speech given in Winnipeg in 1978 (https://tinyurl.com/2fv7w9ax ). Among his proudest days was when he was made honorary Chief Flying Eagle (he received countless provincial, national, and international recognitions and expressions of appreciation), and he will be remembered for his unwavering, decades-long commitment to public service, his passion for culture and everyone's heritage, and his enduring impact on Alberta’s social and economic fabric.

He is predeceased by his wife (Arleen Dale Maria), a son (Bernard Charles Claudius), two brothers (Stefan and Siegfried), and dozens of good, close friends of many decades (not least Stefanie (Steffi) Diepold).

He is survived by three children (Vernon, Carla (Marvin), and Jeannine (Jeff)), two grandchildren (Charlene (Deepak) and Stephen), two great-grandchildren (Brindan and Kieran), his sister Isolde and brother Roland, and thousands of friends and acquaintances.

Funeral mass will be held Friday, April 24 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Basilica (10044 113 Street NW). Interment will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held starting at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24 in the main ballroom at German Canadian Cultural Centre (8310 Roper Road NW; doors open at 2:30 p.m.).

His family has special thanks for the doctors, nurses, and volunteers at the Leduc Community Hospital, Cross Cancer Institute, and the Pilgrims Hospice Society's Roozen Family Hospice Centre, all of whom gave him compassionate care and guidance during his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to (or volunteer at) one's favourite museum, arts-related foundation, cultural association, Leduc Community Hospital, Cross Cancer Institute, and/or the Pilgrims Hospice Society... and please see/try something new....