December 15, 2011
In memoriam — Hans J. Schmitz
Hans J. Schmitz
A memorial service was held at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa on Nov. 26.
Born on Sept. 3, 1929 in Sonnenberg bei Wiesbaden, Germany, Schmitz immigrated to Canada in Dec. 1952.
With sadness, Landscape Ontario first vice-president Tim Kearney expressed his fond memories of Hans Schmitz. "The Schmitz family gave a then 16 year old inexperienced young man his first taste of what is undoubtedly the finest and only worthwhile profession on earth. In one summer, Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz firmly entrenched the word professional into my vocabulary. He was perhaps the first of a long list of truly professional, quality minded, and passionate landscapers to grace our city.
"His insistence to create imaginative cutting edge gardens, while providing a garden centre that was second-to-none for the homeowner, was a vision that many can only still dream. A trailblazer, a leader and a mentor to many, this wonderful husband, father, and grandfather touched the lives of thousands. Many of us are forever indebted to his vision," concluded Kearney.
Hans J. Schmitz leaves behind his wife of 57 years Edeltraut, and children Eva (Jim), Edel, Hans Jr. (Mary-Anne), Eckhart (Louise) and honorary son Mossy (Yassaman), grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His obituary notice may be found In his memory, a donation on behalf of the Ottawa Chapter was made to Friends of the Experimental Farm (Botanical Garden).