Milton Raymond Schindel

Schindel, Milton Raymond

June 7th 1942 – November 23rd 2024

It is with love and sadness that the family of Milton Raymond Schindel announce his passing on November 23rd at the age of 82.

He is reunited with his beloved wife Barbara. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Ann (Jeff) and Mark (Vicky); grandchildren: Laura, Sabrina, Georgia, and Lily; and his siblings and many friends.

Growing up in Saskatchewan with his many brothers and sisters Milt was of course never the one causing trouble. For years his family has been regaled with stories of rebuilding cars on the side of the road and taking a horse miles in the snow to go to school.

At 18 he set out to study engineering at the University of New Brunswick with only a few dollars in his pocket and very little plan. Milt and Barb found each other when they were both working in Labrador City, NFLD. Milt, an engineer, and Barb, a teacher, fell in love across the cafeteria. Milt worked for Milltronics in Peterborough for many years before both he and Barb began their retirement – enjoying lots of travelling with friends, playing golf, curling, and doting on their granddaughters.

From the moment they were born he completely adored his granddaughters who wanted for nothing. He was kind and patient, he supported their academic pursuits and made sure they were driving safe cars. He taught them to drive, never missed a sporting event, and was always up for a game of cribbage or dominoes.

He had one requirement for his red, yellow, and orange cars – they had to go fast. This earned him the nickname “Red Line.” He was a master at talking his way out of a speeding ticket, probably because he may have gotten caught once or twice. His need for speed lives on in his family and in their cars.

There wasn’t a problem Milt couldn’t solve. When Barb began painting, he taught himself to mat and frame artwork so her work could be displayed all over the family’s houses. When someone needed an awkwardly shaped piece of furniture, he custom-built it. If you needed a ride, he offered his car. People lucky enough to be in his life knew him as truly generous, creative, and funny.

He was also heard to have said he “hates cats,” but we all knew that was not true. He would grumble about the kittens and have one asleep in his arms minutes later. In his final years he found his soul cat in Polly. Polly was a grumpy old lady from Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, and they needed each other. They kept each other company and she followed him on his moves in the last few years.

Milt spent his last few years living at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence. Always ready to play euchre or cribbage or poker. He will be missed by his many friends there. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Canterbury for their care and compassion.

The Milt-sized hole in our lives is large. Milt was a force. Anyone who met him will have a Milt-ism they remember and carry with them. Don’t forget to PB4UGO, cuddle your cats, drive fast, and spend time with your family.

There will be a Celebration of Milt’s Life held at the HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE 2510 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough on Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Lakefield Animal Welfare Society (LAWS Donations) or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (Heart and Stroke Donations).