Obituary of Frederick Schneider

Beloved husband of Jane, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, at home in Wilmot township on Monday, September 19, 2011. Fred is survived by his wife Jane, children Peter Frederick Patel-Schneider (Sandhya), Daniel John Schneider (Rhona Hanning), Anne Cecile Fontana (Fabrizio), Margaret Ella Schneider (Gareth Jones), Thomas Ervin Schneider (Susan Smith). Fred had 11 grandchildren: Matthew, Mara, Andrew, Kiera, Adam, Sophie, Frances, Katie, Corin, Aidan and Ella. Frederick Paul Schneider was born on March 14, 1926 in Kitchener, the second child of Frederick Henry Schneider and Ella Eugenia Schneider (née Daniels) and brother to Jean May Hawkings. After obtaining a BA degree from McMaster University and a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, Fred joined the family firm, J. M. Schneider Ltd., in 1949 and held various roles including President, CEO and Chairman. He retired from active service in 1989 and as Chairman of the Board in 1992. A noted environmentalist, Fred planted thousands of trees during his life, supported land stewardship and enjoyed the outdoors and gardening. He spent many hours hiking, cross-country skiing and creating trails on his farm in Wilmot Township. Fred spent many years on the board of the KW Symphony Orchestra and was also a prominent supporter of local chamber music and opera. He was a strong advocate for the building of the Centre in the Square, insisting on world class acoustics as the top priority. Although he never considered himself a musician, Fred loved to sing. A gathering to celebrate Fred's life and share memories with his family will take place in the Studio of the Centre in the Square, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener, on Friday November 4th and Saturday 5th from 6 - 7:30 pm. The Studio entrance is on Ellen Street. The family is sponsoring the November 4th and 5th concerts of the K-W Symphony Signature Series in honour of Fred's life-long love of music, and his ongoing wish that the symphony remain an integral part of the Waterloo Region. If you wish to join the family at these concerts please contact the KWS Patron Services at 519-745-4711 (1) for ticket information or go to www.kwsymphony.ca (promo code 1330). Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kitchener-Waterloo, the Grand River Conservation Foundation (directed towards outdoor education), or the Mennonite Economic Development Association (for micro-loans to developing countries). Donations may be arranged through the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.