Ernst Dietrich Schlichting passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 in Swift Current at the age of 92. Born in Dobrock, Wingst, Germany he immigrated to Canada in 1954 looking for a more prosperous life. With an agricultural background from his work in Germany, he found his career at the Swift Current Research Station and worked his way up to lab tech. He worked there for 32 years and received two awards from Agriculture Canada before he retired in 1991.
In 1960, Ernst married Gladys McTaggart (predeceased) and had two children. Heather Schlichting (Medicine Hat) and Neil Schlichting (predeceased).
In 1984 he married Jeanne Sluth (nee Pattinson, predeceased) and gained two more daughters, Step-daughter Leslie Schick (Regina), and Christine Prang (Kurtis, Saskatoon).
In 2002, he gained two more step-children, Mike Jensen (Paula, Ontario) and Rob Jensen (Calgary) when he married Shirley Jensen (nee Stevenson, predeceased).
Family was always precious to him and he always welcomed each member as the blended family grew. He loved and cared for all.
Ernst was survived by 10 grandchildren: Cole Bailey, Neil Jr. Schlichting (Laiqa), Brandon Schick (Kathy McDougall), Myles Schick (Amanda), Graham Prang, Adam Prang, Devon Jensen, Marissa Jensen, Alicia Jensen, Clara Jensen; and 5 great-grandchildren: Knox Bailey, Ayesha Schlichting, Archer Schick, Norah Schick and Henry Schick.
Ernst loved to garden and travel and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Ernst was always dutiful to his yard. It was always well-maintained and full of beautiful blooms. If anyone asked, he was always willing to share his green thumb advice. Ernst did most of his travelling after retirement. But he explored many places during his lifetime, mostly within the country he fell in love with. Even if it was just a Sunday afternoon drive, to see how the farmer's crops were doing. But of course, most of his trips were back to his home country to visit his many cousins and his good friend Margrit Fingberg and her family whom he all loved very much. During his retirement he was a chair person for the Cancer Society within the Swift Current District and was an active member with the Kiwanis Club. When Ernst wasn’t volunteering or travelling he enjoyed his regular coffees and lunches with friends and social groups. He will be truly missed by many.
Our hearts cannot express the amount of support and generosity from family and friends that Ernst received during his hospital stays in both Germany and Canada. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Regina Pasqua Hospital, the Cypress Regional Hospital, Klinikum Gütersloh and LWL Gütersloh in Germany for their care and efforts.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 5th at 11:00 am at St Olaf Lutheran Church. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed https://dashboard.boxcast.com/broadcasts/itybrxzvhgeivxewihuu. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kinsmen Telemiracle.
Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.