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Kasimir “Jim” Schafer

(1932-2015)

‘Jim’ was born Nov. 11 1932 to Kasimir and Maria Schafer. Coming to Canada in 1951 by boat from Germany with his parents, brother Alex Schafer and sister Val Gogorenko, they traveled to work the sugar beet farms near Lethbridge. Soon moving to Calgary, he met and married his beautiful wife Emma on May 4th and they went on to celebrate 58 years of marriage. Emma was devoted to Jim and she took care of him until the very end.

Jim worked at CPR until 1974 when Kaiser Resources and the mountains beckoned to him where he gained employment as foreman in the Rebuild Center. Many years later, he chose the less stressful job as Haul-Truck Driver, until his beloved Emma was diagnosed with cancer. Jim then retired early, wanting to be by her side and successfully saw her through her illness to better health. 

Nothing meant more to him than family visits, BBQ’s, croquet, holiday gatherings and

get-togethers, where he and his squeeze-box were sure to entertain. 

Dad/Opa was selfless in supporting those in his life. Cheering them on at soccer, hockey, baseball, dance and all school events. Many in Sparwood remember him fondly from the ball diamonds, as he jogged around with a smile firmly in place. Jim enjoyed his earlier years boxing, playing soccer and bowling - his trophies still proudly on display. Fishing and swimming brought him, and us, many happy memories. 

Dad never sat us down to ‘teach’ us things, but instead, shared lessons with us, making things interesting and an adventure and yet always silently knowing he was teaching us something valuable.

Jim and Emma had 3 children: Rose Mary (Ben House), Jimmy Dean (Colleen), & Dixie Lee (Randy McClinchey), 9 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren all of whom made Opa a very happy man. ‘Uncle Jim’ also had numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his brother, Valdemar, in 1945; both his parents, Kasimir & Maria Schafer; and treasured godson, Victor Gogorenko.

With respect for Jim’s final wishes, no funeral services will be held. Condolences may be registered at

www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

A special thank you to those of the staff at Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie that laughed with him and cared for him. 

Superman can now fly high! 

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. 1(877)896-8555.