Robert Alfred "Bummer" Schmidt

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-111181

Notes:

Robert A. Schmidt, Editor Of Ayr News Passes Suddenly

This week's issue of the Ayr News is being published under great difficulty and sadness following the unexpected death early Tuesday morning of the editor, Robert Alfred Schmidt. His death at age 43 occurred in St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, following a slight stroke which he had suffered Monday night while driving to his home on the Ayr-Wrigley's Road. He had left the News office early after complaining about feeling unwell. He had left the car and started for his home only a short distance away when he collapsed. Members of the family noticed him and called a doctor who had him immediately taken to hospital, where he died some seven hours later. Mr. Schmidt's death follows by only 2 1/2 months that of his father, John A. Schmidt, who wrote the Rambling Reporter column for the Ayr News. The elder Schmidt died under almost the same circumstances in hospital. The News editor was one of the hardest-working individuals in the weekly newspaper fraternity in Ontario. He and his brother, James W., the president of The Ayr News Ltd., worked many overtime hours to build up one of the most outstanding weeklies and job printing plants for the size of the town in Canada. A measure of the success of the business may be seen in the fact that when John A. Schmidt and his brother Alfred bought the paper in 1913 the circulation was about 500. The circulation today has been built up to more than 3,000 and this is due to the business acumen of the Schmidt family in the Ayr, Bright Drumbo, Princeton, Plattsville, New Dundee and Innerkip districts. Bummer, as he was affectionately known to a wide circle of business acquaintances and friends in this wide territory, was ever obliging in servicing his advertising and job printing contracts - and seldom was a delivery schedule missed. He worked many, many hours assisting his friends with the preparation of copy and layouts. Incidentally, that nickname Bummer comes from his activities on the football field where he developed a drop kick reminiscent of the southpaw booting of one, Bummer Sterling. He was left-handed and wrote every bit of copy in longhand, and he could turn it out faster than many newspaper men with the aid of a typewriter. He had a witty style of writing-when he had time to put his hand to that type of writing. Schmidt was born in Ayr in 1924, the second of three brothers who all followed their father's footsteps into the printing and publishing business. Like his other two brothers, he was required to "work around the office" after four and on Saturdays - and sometimes Sundays - during his days at Ayr Public and Continuation Schools. These two schools were only two sources of formal education. The balance of his education he received around the Ayr News, which had a reputation for turning out knowledgeable graduates. With the semi-retirement of Mr. Schmidt, Sr., from the business, a limited company was formed with Mr. Schmidt and brother James as the principals. The business has been very demanding of the time as new printing processes were adopted and expensive machinery was added. At his death he had put in 26 years fulltime at the weekly newspaper business, having started in the News plant at age 17. He spent all of his career here except for a short stint at the Delhi News-Record. Mr. Schmidt was not a "joiner" nor did he engage in much activity of a social nature around Ayr. However, he used his pen to promote the good of the community. He was an astute student of politics of the community and as one of those newspapermen possessed of the ability "to know what was going on." He was a member of the United Church of Canada. Survivors are his wife, Grace, RR 1, Ayr; mother, Mrs. John A. Schmidt, Ayr; brothers, John T., agricultural editor of the Calgary Herald, and James W. of Ayr. The body is at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews St., Galt, until Thursday at 2 p.m. when funeral service will, be held. Interment will be in Ayr Cemetery. Coming home to write the "obit" of a brother and good friend has been a difficult and lonely task. I take pride in writing of only a few of the accomplishments of a life cut off too soon. - John T. Schmidt.

The Ayr News Apr 4 1968 pg 1

Robert — Grace. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/171132234
• Residence: William St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-110543

Notes:

Passes After 55 Years As Ayr's Strongest Supporter

On Friday, John A. Schmidt was laid to rest in Ayr Cemetery, over-looking the village where had spent nearly 55 years of his life. It can be said he reposes in the community Which he truly called home, which he appreciated had done much for him, and he was happy to reciprocate. Possibly he was in a better position than most to help the community through support of causes and projects in the columns of the News, and he always recognized this advantage.

Among projects which benefited from his pen were the Ayr Community Centre building fund, the memorial plot fund, Victoria park pavilion, and many others. In recent years he worked enthusiastically to foster close relations between Ayr, Scotland, and our Ayr On two occasions he was host to W. H. (Billy) Dunlop, publisher of the Ayr, Scotland, Advertiser, whose equal enthusiasm in auld Ayr has resulted in an unbreakable tie. And who can forget the memorable visit to Ayr of the famous Beresford Girls' Choir only two years ago. which was arranged by the Rambler, as he often referred to himself?

Like any good newspaperman. his articles occasionally took a critical view of some situation, and frequently involves him in controversy. However, sticking to the truest journalism principles, he never permitted personalities to enter any of his newspaper battles. It was a matter of personal pride that during his tenure as owner of the News he had never once retracted a printed statement.
Although he sold the business to his sons some years ago, the word "retire" was not in his vocabulary. At that time he began writing a weekly column of short travelogues under the heading, The Rambling Reporter. The column was an immediate hit and rapidly developed a large readership. In later years when travelling became diffficult the Rambler branched into reminiscences and comments on topical subjects. His last column appeared on January 4.

Although his writing exhibited his Keen reasoning, and personal contact showed his ready wit and charm, a side of his personality which he unsuccessfully tried to hide was his sympathetic concern for someone who had suffered misfortune.

If it could be called a hobby, he was a keen student of the market, and developed this interest into the field of national economy and government.

He was born in Paisley on January 27. 1890, the son of James and Elizabeth Schmidt. Ms father was a skilled cooper, a trade which was rapidly giving way to more modern manufacturing methods He joined his lather in the trade at years of age and learned the meaning of hard work. The lesson was so firmly implanted that industriousness became the key to his working life, and was one of the ingredients lie admired most in the makeup of others.

Ile subsequently became a grocery clerk when the family moved to St. Marys. was pursuing this trade in Galt when the Ayr News came up fur sale, and was purchased in partnership with his brother Alfred in October, 1913. He came into sole ownership some two years later when his brother departed to serve in the armed forces.

He was married in 1920 to Jessie M. Rathe, who survives, along with three sons, John T. of Calgary, Robert A. and James of Ayr. A sister, Mrs.. Glen Slater (Kathleen) of St. Marys also survives, as well as 11 grandchildren.

Ayr News Jan 25 1968 pg 1

_______________


SCHMIDT, John Allan, at Brantford General Hospital, Brantford, on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 1968, John Allan Schmidt, Ayr., Ont., in his 78th year, beloved husband of Jessie Rathe Schmidt, dear father of John T., Calgary, Alta., Robert A. and James W . both of Ayr. Private funeral service at Coutts and Son Funeral Home, Galt, on Friday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. Temporary entombment in Ayr Cemetery Chapel. Flowers gratefully declined.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record Jan 17 1968 pg 24

________________

John Schmidt, Ayr Publisher, Dead At 77

John Allan Schmidt, publisher and senior editor of the Ayr News for over fifty years, died Tuesday in hospital after an illness, at the age of 77.

In partnership with his broter the late Alfred Schmidt, he had purchased the Ayr News in October 1913. Although having retired from active work at the weekly newspaper several years ago, he continued his association with it by writing a weekly column under the heading Rambling Reporter.

Mr. Schmidt was noted as being a staunch supporter of his community and one of Ayr's best known citizens. His individualism was his trademark, and his style of writing was enjoyed by the publication's readers across the country.

He was born at Paisley, a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Schmidt, resided in St. Marys for few years, then moved to Galt prior to purchasing the weekly newspaper at Ayr. In earlier years, he was noted for hos swimming ability, and won awards in many swimming competitions. He was married to the former Jessie M. Rathe, who survives him, at Brantford in 1920.

Also surviving are three sons, John T., farm editor of the Calgary Herald, presently on assignment in New Zealand, and Robert A. and James W., both of Ayr; and one sister, Mrs. Glen (Kathleen) Slater, St. Marys, he was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.

Funeral services were held at Galt, Friday afternoon, and temporary entombment followed in Ayr cemetery chapel.

John married Jessie Mary Rathe 20 May 1920, Brantford, Brant Co., Ontario, Canada. Jessie (daughter of Louis Ignace Rathe and Elizabeth "Bessie" Anderson) was born 6 Oct 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 13 Jan 1978, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 15 Jan 1978, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jessie Mary Schmidt
• Residence: William St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195137
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Mrs. John A. Schmidt of Ayr passed away in St. Mary's Hospital, Kitchener, on Friday, January 13th. She was in her 87th year. Born in the home on William Street, Ayr, in which she lived most of her life, the former Jessie Mary Rathe was a daughter of the late Louis I. Rathe and Elizabeth Anderson. She received her schooling in Ayr. In 1921 she married John A. Schmidt, proprietor of the Ayr News. She was a Presbyterian. Mrs. Schmidt was predeceased her husband in January, 1968; a son Robert A. Schmidt in April, 1968; a grandson Thomas R. Schmidt in August, 1973; also brothers Louis and Thomas Rathe. Surviving are two sons John T. of Calgary and James W. of Ayr; eleven grandchildren and three great -grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. George (Irene) Stanton and Miss Mary Rathe, both of Ayr. Funeral and committal services were conducted Sunday by Rev. D. E. Willis of Ayr at Coutts Funeral Home, Galt. Interment in Ayr Cemetery.

The Ayr News 18 Jan 1978 pg 9

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-30831
• Residence: 1887, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Three Children:
John Allen Schmidt, b 27 January 1890
Alfred Schmidt
Kathleen Schmidt

James married Elisabetha "Elisabeth" Elizabeth" Fink 28 Apr 1887, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elisabetha (daughter of Paul Fink and Maria Catharina Stein) was born 4 Nov 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 May 1935, Saint Marys, Blanshard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Marys Cemetery, St. Marys, Blanchard Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Elisabetha "Elisabeth" Elizabeth" Schmidt
• Name: Elizabeth Fink
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151984
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1887, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1901, Paisley, Elderslie Twp., Bruce Co., Ontario

Other Events:

• Interesting: life
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195135
• Residence: 1914, Terrebonne, , Québec, Canada

Notes:

Louis I. Rathe Passes In 104th Year

A former well-known resident of Ayr, Louis Ignace Rathe, passed away on Saturday night at Terrebonne, Que., in his 104th year. He had been in failing health for several months but had remained alert and in good spirits until the end. He was born in upper New York State on December 9, 1861, a son of the late Louis I. Rathe and Mary McCabe. However, his parental forebears were early French settlers in Canada, dating back to the mid 1700's. He spent his younger years in Montreal and later went to nearby Terrebonne, where he was employed as a machinist. Following this trade he moved to Ayr before the turn of the century to accept a position in the machine shop of the John Watson Mfg. Co. Ltd. He subsequently became foreman of this department. In Ayr he married Elizabeth Anderson, who predeceased him some 30 years ago. At that time he returned to Terrebonne to reside with his daughter, Mrs. George Stanton, and Mr. Stanton. While here Mr. Rathe was a popular figure among a wide circle of friends, most of whom have long since passed away. He was possessed of a fine tenor voice and in an era when local talent provided entertainment at church and other social functions, his services were in great demand. He was one of the early members of the Ayr Fire Brigade back in the period when horse drawn equipment and buckets were still in use. In later years, even at the century milepost, he could recall with remarkable clarity happenings in this community which most residents had only read about or heard second hand. His memory carried him further back than Ayr, and he had often recounted of sleigh riding in what Is now busy St. Denis St. in Montreal, or riding on horse-drawn trolleys in Troy, N.Y. Mr. Rathe was keenly interested in politics and government at all Levels, and until very recently spent much of his lime keeping abreast developments in daily newspapers - both French and English. His grasp of political developments and feeling in both languages made him an interesting and informative conversationalist this field. Mr. Rathe was keenly interested in baseball and hockey, and could describe with accuracy many games played by Ayr's top notch teams before the turn of the century. Latterly he followed these sports through the medium of newspaper and television. One of the highlights of his later life was the recognition he received from the Town of Terrebonne on the occasion of his 100th anniversary. The mayor and council marked the occasion with an official ceremony and presentation. Surviving are three daughters Mrs. John A. Schmidt (Jessie) of Ayr, Mrs. George Stanton (Irene) of Terrebonne and Miss Mary Rattle of Montreal; and a son, Thomas I. Rathe of Montreal. Seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also survive.

The Funeral

Funeral service was held on Monday in Terrebonne, followed by committal service in Ayr this (Wednesday) afternoon.

The Ayr News Jul 29 1965 pg 1

Louis married Elizabeth "Bessie" Anderson 3 May 1886, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Muir Anderson and Janet Laidlaw) was born CALC 21 Dec 1864, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 2 Apr 1936, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 5 Apr 1936, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Bessie Anderson
• Name: Elizabeth "Bessie" Rathe
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-127460
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Death of Mrs. Louis Rathe Native of This Village Passed Away Thursday in Her 72nd Year - The death occurred on Thursday morning at 5 o'clock of Elizabeth Anderson, beloved wife of Louis Rathe, Church Street, in her 72nd year. Deceased had been in poor health for several months and her passing was not unexpected. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Muir Anderson, one of the pioneer families of the village, her father for a period of 19 years acting as bookkeeper for the John Watson Mfg. Co., then under the direction of the late John Watson. She was born in the house in which she died, and as a young woman attended the old Knox 'Church, which formerly stood at the corner of Church' and Piper streets on the west side of the river, where she sang in the choir. She was also a member of the present Knox United church, which was built subsequently. Deceased received her education in the old red school building, which was located where the rink now stands, and was very popular with the young folks of her day. With 'the exception of 30 years, during which period the family resided in Terrebonne, Que., all of her lifetime was spent in this village. Of a quiet, home-loving and affectionate disposition, she was highly esteemed by many warm friends, but she was beloved above all by the members of her family. Besides her sorrowing husband, she is survived by three daughters and two sons, as follows: Mrs. J. A. Schmidt., Ayr: Mrs. George Stanton, Terrebonne , Que.; Miss Mary Rathe, Ayr; Louis Rattle, Hythe, Kent, England, and Thomas I. Rathe, Regina, Sask.; also by two sisters and one brother, Mrs. Mary Nickerson, Leamington; Mrs. W. H. Smith, Brantford, and Rebert L. Anderson, Ayr. There are also seven grandchildren.

The Funeral

the funeral, which was private, took place on Sunday afternoon to Ayr Cemetery. Rev. J. W. Currie, pastor of Knox United Church, had charge of the services, and the pallbearers were as follows: Thomas Laidlaw, Galt; Louis Rathe and Richard Endersby, Toronto; Laidlaw Nickerson, Leamington; Andrew L. Easton and Robert L. Anderson, Ayr.

The Ayr News Apr 9 1936 pg 3

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151982
• Occupation: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Mechanic
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1870, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; carpenter
• Occupation: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Occupation: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Carpenter
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Elected Office: 1882, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Councillor - Waterloo
• Occupation: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Gentleman
• Residence: 1891, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Paul married Maria Catharina Stein 16 Oct 1853, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Maria was born 9 Oct 1831, , Germany; died 2 Jun 1888, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Catharina Stein
• Name: Maria Catharina Fink
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-151983
• Residence: 1861, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1871, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran
• Residence: 1881, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Lutheran

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-133380P
• Residence: 1859, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Accountant
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Occupation: 1864, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; book keeper with John Watson
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Bookkeeper
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Ayr
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Thomas married Janet Laidlaw 24 May 1859, Blenheim Twp., Oxford Co., Ontario, Canada. Janet (daughter of Andrew Laidlaw and Elizabeth Anderson) was born CALC 7 Sep 1839, , Scotland; died 9 Jan 1916, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 12 Jan 1916, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Janet Anderson
• Name: Janet Laidlaw
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-133381
• Immigration: 1849, , Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Free Church
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Residence: 1891, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Notes:

Died In Ayr, on Sunday, Jan. 9th, 1916 Janet Laidlaw Relict of the late Thomas M. Anderson In her 77th year The Funeral Will take place from her late residence, William St., on Wednesday, Jan. 12th, at 2.30 p.m., to Ayr cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card