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William ‘Bill’ Thomas Schemm

William ‘Bill’ Thomas  Schemm

Passed on: December 19th, 2017

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say farewell to the greatest man we knew. William Thomas Schemm passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017.
Born June 15, 1923, in Newark, New Jersey, he was the eldest son of the late William and Edith (Watson) Schemm. The last surviving member of his immediate family, he was predeceased by his siblings, Edith Milchus, George Schemm and Ester Davis.
At the age of 19, Bill and his brother, George, age 17, enlisted in the Navy, where Bill became a pilot flying during the Second World War. Bill came home. Sadly, George did not. During his time in the Navy, Bill was asked to join Mensa, due to his superior math skills. After leaving the Navy, Bill still maintained his love of flying, piloting his final flight on his 91st birthday. His hobbies included, curling, painting, hiking, downhill skiing, canoeing, camping and riding his motorcycle. In 1969, Bill relocated from New Jersey to Cape Breton, building his home and life in MacAdams Lake, which he loved. Over his life, he was a mechanical engineer, draftsman, charter pilot, carpenter, and a beloved school bus driver, whom the kids nicknamed “Wild Bill”. There was nothing Bill couldn’t do when he set his mind to it. At the age of 83, he built a new cottage in Ingonish, a spot where he loved going every summer. Patient, kind, funny, dependable, intelligent, determined, adventurous, and handsome are words frequently used to describe him (they broke the mold when they made him).
Bill had an undying devotion to his wife, Lois (Hussey) Schemm, centering his world on her and their family; daughter, Adelle Schemm, who was the light of his life and wonderful son-in-law, John Schemm; grandchildren, Tate and Drew Schemm, and sister-in-law, Doreen French. In his later years, his greatest joy was picking up his grandchildren from school.
Bill’s family welcomes you to celebrate his life with a Funeral Mass by Father Vincent at St. Mary’s Church, Frenchvale on Saturday, December 30 at 1 p.m., with reception to follow at the church hall.
If one so wishes, memorial donations can be made on his behalf to the Children’s Wish Foundation, War Amps or a charity of one’s choice.
A large thank you to the VON and Dr. Smith, who were by his side to the very end.
In case of inclement weather, the alternate date for the funeral will be Wednesday, January 3 at 1 p.m.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.


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John D. Steele’s & Sons LTD. Monument Manufacturers
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Thoms Flowers
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