Obituary of Curtis Wayne Schafer

Peacefully passed from this life into the arms of Jesus in the early hours of March 22, 2024 surrounded by his family at his home in Kitchener at the age of 53.  

Loving husband of Henrietta (née Just) for 26 years and 10 months.  Devoted father of Justus and Samuel.  Loving son of his parents, Wilfred Wayne and Trudy Schafer, treasured brother of sister Tracey, and brother-in-law, Mark Just (Melony).  Cherished uncle of Shelby Joyner (Kentrell), Matthew and Maddox Just.  Remembered with a smile by extended family, friends, church family and co-workers.  Predeceased by his grandparents Barbara and Alexander Schafer and Margery and Cyril “Dude” Barton, his parents-in-law, Gladys and Lawrence Just.  

Curtis was born and raised in Medicine Hat, AB.  He was baptized on September 20, 1970 at St Paul Lutheran Church.  Gary Brenner, Harvey Martin and Curtis were “the Three Musketeers” growing up.  In high school he was enrolled in the SEAL program, aka stream for high achievers.  A Rotary exchange allowed him to spend a year in Belgium where he immersed himself in the French language and local culture.   His parents and sister visited him there for 3 weeks and they travelled to neighbouring countries, which Curtis described as a “magical time”.  He attended Medicine Hat College, Concordia College (where he made a number of great friends) and then finished his Bachelor of Education at University of Alberta.  He spent a year on the road playing guitar, singing, writing/performing skits with the music ministry team “In Focus”.   Curtis taught school for three years in Alberta, then wrote the LSAT, and through three years of law school at University of Western Ontario earned the silver medal.  He worked at law firms in Kitchener and Medicine Hat, returning to KW to work as in-house counsel at Manulife and then Sun Life.  He enjoyed the intellectual stimulation and camaraderie of his colleagues.  During Covid he would spend the day working in his home office, have supper with the family, and then re-focus his energy to complete the Canadian Securities Course.  He served on a number of boards and committees, contributing with his logical and personal perspective.

Curtis and Henrietta were married May 18, 1997 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  Justus was born in 2003 and Samuel arrived in 2005.   Curtis was steady and strong for us.   He was patient and encouraging.  He was present at every stage, bouncing them as babies, helping them through all the “firsts”, setting expectations for their academics and keeping commitments they signed up for.  He loved coaching the boys and then cheering them on in soccer, listening to their music, and taking them on trips to places he wanted to explore.  He was the fun parent and wove harmony into the ups and downs of real life.  We are so very grateful to God that Curtis celebrated both boys’ grade 12 graduations and saw them launch as adults, onto more adventures.

Curtis was enthusiastic about almost everything!  His interests included soccer (go Arsenal!), travel, cooking, comic books, movies, languages, learning, music (has a “top 100” – mostly ‘80s tunes and had a signature dance move too), kayaking, hiking, politics and current events.  He was an optimist and put the best construction on everything!   He sought to serve God and others.   He had a good sense of humour and was a “people person”.       

Our family extends special thanks to Dr. Mendonca, his neurologist for 14.5 years, Dr. McMillan, Dr. Kalindindi, Dr. Campbell, and to numerous compassionate, skilled nurses (his sister Tracey included!) especially through the palliative care time at home.

We appreciate the Pastoral care provided over Curtis’ lifetime.  We will name the late Pastor Knoernschild in Medicine Hat, and Pastor Bugbee, Pastor Syens, Pastor Astley and Pastor Roggow in Ontario.   Thank you to Lauren Lang and the staff of Erb & Good. So many of our friends and neighbours have supported us, beyond what we deserve!  Friends drove Curtis to work and to Hamilton for medical appointments, shared his love of music, went on walks, brought delicious food, installed bannisters and ramps, invited him places to have fun, and just brought a coffee over to spend time with him.  Your presence and prayers have surrounded us.  Thanks and God bless You!  

Visitation will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 322 East Ave., Kitchener on Wednesday, March 27th from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, March 28th from 3-5 p.m.  Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 10 until 10:45 a.m. with the funeral service to follow in the sanctuary at 11 a.m.  A reception will be held in the Church Hall immediately following the service.  

Memorial donations in memory of Curtis may be made to the Brain Tumour Association of Canada or Concordia Lutheran Mission Society and can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com.