We regret to advise of the death of Vern Schneider on 7 October 2018 in Trail, BC in his 80th year.
Vern was born in Rossland, BC and attended Rossland Secondary School where he graduated in 1955. He then worked for Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited – Teck Cominco in Trail, BC for two years before joining the Canadian Army and the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Vern undertook his basic Armoured Corps training in Camp Borden, ON and then was posted to Calgary, AB where he served most of his Regular Force career. Vern served overseas with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) patrolling the in the Sinai Desert and Gaza Strip in Egypt (1961-62). He was also posted with his regiment in Iserlohn, Germany in 1965 and served there until his release from the Regular Force in 1967.
Vern returned to British Columbia and worked with Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited – Teck Cominco for many years until he retired in 1993. During that time, he served as Chief Clerk with 44th Field Engineer Squadron in Trail for many years. He took a lead role in the unit's fiftieth anniversary activity and researched the unit's history, presenting a book containing a comprehensive collection of news articles In retirement he continued to lead group tours through the smelter complex in Trail. He also researched and created a history of the 54th Kootenay Battalion; 1915 - 1918 largely displayed on website. HIs research did not stop there, however. Recalling his Strathcona roots, he also compiled a volume covering the history of the Kootenay Contingent, Strathcona’s Horse in the Boer War (1899 - 1903). Vern remained an active civilian member of 44 FES as well as both Rossland and Trail Royal Canadian Legion Branches where he served terms as President and Vice President over the years.
A Legion Service will be held on Friday, 2 October 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion in Trail. As an expression of sympathy please make memorial donations in Vern’s name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.
