Ervin Arnold Schwartz

After many years of coping with Frontal Temporal Dementia, it is with heavy hearts that we share that our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Ervin Schwartz has passed away.  Ervin passed away at the age of 75 years.

Mourning his passing are his wife Maureen; sons David (Connie), Ryan (Kelly); grandchildren Anna, Foster and Molly; siblings Joe (Gail), Robert (Wendy), Ken (Marlene); sister in law Stephanie; sisters in law and brothers in law Donna (Jim), Glen (Pam), Dennis (Barb); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ervin was predeceased by his mother Nellie; father Edward; brothers Wesley and Donald; sisters Erna and Lorna; mother in law Edith Foster; and father in law Bryron W. Foster.

 Ervin was born on May 16, 1949, to Edward and Nellie Schwartz and raised in the RM of Springfield, just outside of Winnipeg (now known as Birds Hill Park).  He was the fifth child.  His childhood friend, Gordon Whiteman (who lived a mile from the Schwartz’s) became a constant companion in the early years of Ervin’s life.  As a youngster he also spent a lot of time with his mother as his older brothers Wes, Joe and Donald were much older than him and didn’t want him “hanging around”.  He loved gardening with his mom and when he wasn’t with her, he would spend a lot of time reading and listening to records.  He loved his horses and competed in many gymkhanas as a young man, winning many red ribbons and trophies.  His fiancé Maureen found out that you don’t just get on a horse and ride, ~ you bring it back to the barn, walk it, and groom it!.. such lucky horses!

At fifteen, Ervin quit school (he was already in grade eleven at the time) and took a job with a local painter and when the painter needed someone to take his horses to British Columbia, on the train, he asked Ervin.  Ervin “rode the rails” with the horses in a box car all the way to British Columbia.  He worked for six months on the horse ranch but then decided to head back to Manitoba.  He took a job laying floors in downtown Winnipeg.  The money was very good, but when he looked around and seen the men that were working – the shape that their knees were in, he decided that the job was too risky.  He then started working at a local garage and soon became very knowledgeable as the family “genes” bestowed a knack for mechanics on him.  He wrote his mechanics course (by correspondence) and passed with high marks, becoming a Licensed Mechanic.   He took more courses over the years continuing to improve his skills which were very useful towards his own business, B & E Services.

Ervin was introduced to his wife Maureen through Ervin’s childhood friend, Gordon Whiteman.  On August 15, 1970, Ervin and Maureen were married in Gladstone United Church.  Although they resided in Winnipeg for a short time, in March of 1972 they moved to Gladstone.  In July of 1972 their first child David Ervin was born – the apple of his Dad’s eye.  In April of 1977 a second son was born -  Ryan Edward and he was the second apple of his Dad’s eye.

Ervin and Maureen started their own business B & E Service in 1983, and Ervin loved his job, fixing vehicles from grain trucks, to diesels, to family vehicles, he did it all with great kindness shown to all his many customers.  He was very well liked and was honest showing

 compassion for all.  Parents of university children often would bring their children’s vehicles to him as he would keep them safe and on the road and was very generous with his time, often working on Saturday’s when the “kids” were able to bring their vehicles “home” from the city. 

Many years (30), in business, and suddenly Ervin was having memory problems.  The garage had to be closed, as Ervin was diagnosed with F.T.D. (Frontal Temporal Dementia).  After a couple of years with this dreadful disease, which robbed his mind, he had to be institutionalized as personal care was becoming too difficult for him to remain at home.  With heavy hearts Maureen and David took him to reside at the Third Crossing Manor, where he would reside for 8 years until his passing on July 12, 2024.

Ervin loved fishing, golfing, gardening and was an avid reader.  He could have four books on the headboard at one time and always knew what he had read and would be able to pick up what ever book he chose and continue reading.  He was especially and most importantly a good listener and loved being with his family. 

Ervin was past President of Gladstone Golf and Country Club and was well known for his hard work when he held this position.

Ervin’s Family will be Celebrating his Life privately.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this most difficult time.