Herbert Frederick Schwartz (aged 78) passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by hard work, devotion to family and a deep reliance on faith. Herb was the beloved husband of Barbara Anne (Kuhl) for 53 years, Dad of Anne Marie van Middelkoop (Greg) of Medicine Hat, AB and Teresa Schwartz of Owen Sound, and proud “Gramps” of Autumn and Rory. 

Herb was born on December 30, 1947, the first grandson to Herbert and Annabelle (Arbour) King of Waubaushene and Frederick and Emma (Slomke) Schwartz of Sullivan Township. He is predeceased by his parents, Morrell and Iris Schwartz, and his brother, Steve. Herb is survived by his brother Ron (Marg) of Chilliwack, BC and sister-in-law, Nadine, of Owen Sound. He is fondly remembered by Barb’s siblings: Lorna (Jim) Kingston, Marlene King, Jerry Funck, Darlene Underwood, Donna Beckett, Sandra (Eric) Weatherall, Lois (Ian) Gamble, Janice (John) Klages and Marohl (Diane) Kuhl. He is predeceased by his in-laws Doug Beckett, June Funck, Bill King, Ross Teschke, and Barb’s parents Ernie & Gertrude Kuhl.

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Herb’s early years were shaped by membership at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Sullivan Township; education at SS #6 Sullivan School (Marmion School) and Chesley District High School; and, early employment at the Desboro Garage under his father’s watch. After attending
Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, Herb worked as a Land Surveyor for the Ministry of Transportation but he found it too difficult to spend time away from his young family. He then worked for local businesses including Ault/Sealtest and Shouldice Designer Stone. Herb always valued physical labor and precision, as evidenced by his perfectly trimmed yard in summer and cleanly scraped driveway in winter. In April, Herb and Barb proudly reached the 50th anniversary of moving into their home on 6th Ave East where they have been supported by many long-time neighbours.

 

Other long-standing sources of support were: Faith Lutheran Church in Desboro where Herb was an active member; his daily practice of reading the Bible; and, his family. Herb cherished the dinner celebrations, the card games and several memorable trips. He never grew tired of exploring while making visits to his cousins in Eastern Ontario and his daughters in Western Canada. Travel was limited after Herb started treatment in 2022 for esophageal cancer. He later called the cancer diagnosis a “blessing in disguise” because it brought his kids and grandkids back home to Owen Sound for a busy period of recovery and household bonding. Herb exceeded expectations at many points of his cancer journey, crediting the care of his family and the expertise of many highly-valued health care providers. Herb was grateful to spend his last days at the Chapman House; he felt like he was “already in heaven.”

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Arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth. Visitations will be held at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, May 12, from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, Desboro, on Wednesday, May 13, at 2:00pm, officiated by Pastor Brian Dunlop. Interment at Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Desboro. If desired, donations to Chapman House or Faith Lutheran Church, would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com