Passed away at Ridgeview Long Term Care, Stoney Creek, on Friday, April 20, 2018. Michael Kenneth Schurter, in his 93rd year, was the beloved husband of Sophia (nee Jopko) Schurter. He was the dear father of Jane (Ted) Shelegy and Paul (Antoinette) Schurter. Michael is survived by six grandchildren Jennifer (James) Vosburgh, Michael, Christy, Anthony, Lisa and Vanessa (Vince). Michael is joining his father and mother, Valentine John Schurter and Catherine "Carrie" (nee Mosack) Schurter and his step-mother Mabel (nee Schmidt) Schurter.
After growing up in Chepstow, Michael moved to Toronto where he completed a degree in Electrical Engineering. He was often recognized for his business acumen and leadership skills, and ended his business career as Vice President of Manufacturing for Greening Donald Co Ltd. in Hamilton. These same skills enabled him to keep abreast of new technologies so that he could keep in touch digitally with his beloved grandchildren, such as teaching himself to use Facebook in his 80's. He was active with the Knights of Columbus and served as a warden for Professional Engineers of Ontario for many years, and he also enjoyed curling and golf in his spare time.
Michael loved his wife of 67 years and his family, and was an excellent role model and patriarch, mixing treasured guidance and support with a terrific and often "colourful" sense of humour. You could always count on Michael to come up with a funny line, and this endeared him to many. He was the eternal optimist who accepted life's challenges head on without complaining, because he knew there was always somebody worse off than he was. He had a way of making everyone feel valued and important. He will be greatly missed by many.
A time of visitation and a funeral service were held on Monday, April 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Interment took place at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.