Albert Schmidt, perhaps best known for his years as a teacher and as a long-time member of Altona Town Council, has passed away. He was 85 years old.
Schmidt began working in the Rhineland School Division in September 1962 until June 1992. During his career, he taught Social Studies/Canadian history and Accounting. His extracurricular work, according to information provided by the Border Land School Division, included a role as an advising teacher for the student council, treasurer for the Miller Aces Lunch Bar, coach for the “Reach for the Top” team and the travel committee, and as a result, also chaperoned students on a trip to Florida.
The Division statement noted, Schmidt was always very diligent in everything he did from supervising hall duty and participating in staff meetings by providing leadership to numerous staff concerns.
"Mr. Schmidt’s classrooms were always well organized and students’ test results, marks and assignments were meticulously recorded," added the statement.
After retiring from teaching full time, Schmidt did some substitute teaching in the school division in 2005-06, 2008-2011 and had a term contract in 2006.
Schmidt also served the Town of Altona as a member of the Council for 22 years, starting in 1975, and then from 1978-1998. He was Mayor from 1995-1998.
"He taught me the importance of being prepared for, and efficiently running a meeting," said Mayor Al Friesen, noting Schmidt, as a former Mayor, would offer up advice periodically.
The two men's history goes back even further however when Schmidt was Friesen's Social Studies teacher in school. Later, they went on to serve together on Altona's Centennial Committee.
Friesen fondly remembered Schmidt as offering continued service to the community as a volunteer at the MCC Thrift Shop and the resident cheese slicer on the Altona Bergthaler Church funeral serving group.
A private family memorial service will be held for Albert Schmidt.