Obituary of Clarence Schaitel

SCHAITEL – Clarence Michael – July 2,1913 – Sept.11th, 2015 Around the world people in all walks of life want to know the secrets to a long and healthy life. At age 102 we think our Clarence was in on some of those secrets. We studied his lifestyle and speculated as to what led to his long and productive life. We were thinking that perhaps it was the physical activity that he engaged in throughout more than a century of living. As a young lad he left Crocus Hill School early to work on the farm at Morse and to help with his six younger siblings. Slinging hides was a major part of his long time job as owner of Western Hide and Fur. Family and neighbors were inspired by his ability (well into his nineties) to cut his own grass, to shovel his own walks and to even get up on a ladder to hang his Christmas lights. His lawn was his pride and we won’t forget his insistence on moving that soaker hose every twenty minutes, an all- day project. Maybe those of us seeking longevity could follow Clarence’s eating habits. His diet was high in fruits and raw vegetables. He ate small portions of well balanced, home cooked meals. Pickled herring was a favourite snack. But it wasn’t all by the book healthy. There was lots of room for Maple Buds, Bugles, Ketchup Chips and candy. His preferred brew was tea with honey but sleeping in on the weekends and having a cup of coffee (Irish Coffee that is) was a way to relax after a busy week. A wee bit of rum and coke were a part of the mix and it was important for us to note that he never smoked. It is highly likely that his long life was partly due to his sweet disposition, his easy going nature, never letting much of anything get his goat. Of course fishing at Palliser Regional Park was a favourite pastime and he loved to play a game of cards, rummy, crib and guts. He could fall asleep between turns and still win the game. His love of Lincoln Town Cars helped to save his life as he walked away from two major accidents unscathed. Both cars were totalled but never Clarence. So, can you see yourself cruising in a used Town Car snacking on pickled herring? Clarence was predeceased by his wife Laura (Shaw) whom he married on New Year’s Day in 1937. After many years of hard work Laura and Clarence were able to winter in Florida for 14 years where daughter Carole and family lived. Clarence became a fulltime caregiver for Laura in her last few years. He took on the tasks of cooking and cleaning and even continued to bake three kinds of cookies after her passing in 2003. He was predeceased by his son Allan who was his working partner and fishing buddy. Clarence was predeceased by his six siblings, Marvin(Gladys), Alvin, Leo(Verna), Esther Roberts(Don), Leona Burroughs(Harris), and Louise Kydd. Clarence was also predeceased by his parents John and Amanda Schaitel. Clarence is survived by his daughter Carole Bakule, her husband Paul and by son Don Schaitel and his wife Jackie. He leaves behind three granddaughters, Staci Schaitel, Katie Schaitel and Dione White, sons-in-laws Jon White and Tim Emmett. He leaves behind one grandson, James Bakule and daughter-in-law Natalie Tosi. Clarence leaves a legacy of six great grandchildren; Milan, Kacey, Rocco, Viola, Nadia and soon to be born baby boy. He is survived by his sister-in-law Verna Schaitel. Clarence’s long and steady presence will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family. Donations in his memory can be made to the Swift Current Abilities Center 1551 North Railway St. W. Swift Current, SK. S9H 5G3. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.