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JOHANN SCHNABL
Born: Jan 21, 1941
Date of Passing: Nov 30, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHANN SCHNABL
We are saddened to announce the death of Johann Schnabl, beloved husband of Gail and proud father of Peter, on November 30, 2024, at Riverview Health Centre.
Johann was born in Vienna, Austria, on January 21, 1941, the only child of Theresa and Johann Schnabl. Johann is survived by his wife, Gail; and son Peter; daughter-in-law, Phoenix; and grandchildren, Elijah and Arcadia; his cousin, Annie, and her family in Austria.
Johann grew up in Vienna and attended Vienna Technical University, where he studied Electrical Engineering with a specialty in Communications Technology. Many part-time jobs taught him a wide range of skills and introduced fields of lifelong interest - including architecture, construction, photography, and drafting. Johann got his glider pilot’s license in his 20s and later in Canada, his license for motor aircraft.
He immigrated to Canada in 1968 and almost immediately got a job at the fledgling computer department at the University of Manitoba Medical School. He was encouraged to continue his university studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Science at the University of Winnipeg and then a Master of Engineering at the University of Manitoba in 1974. By this time, he had met Gail. They were married June 1974 and moved to Ottawa, where Johann worked for Bell Northern Research and became a Canadian citizen. After a year he returned to Winnipeg, when he was offered a job with Manitoba Data Services which later became a job with the Manitoba Telephone System. Although an electrical engineer, Johann’s work always focused on computer systems. He retired from MTS in 1996.
Johann was very proud of his son, Peter, and enjoyed their intellectual discussions over the years. He would recount how, as a child, Peter kept their game of chess going long after he could have checkmated his dad. As well as his interests in photography and architecture, Johann had a passion for opera and he and Gail had season tickets to Manitoba Opera for almost 50 years. The music of Mozart and the singing of Cecilia Bartoli could move him to tears. Another passion Johann and Gail shared was travelling and in retirement they visited more than 40 different countries.
Johann approached the end of his life with courage, and true to his planning nature, he spent the last few months preparing Gail to continue on her own. They enjoyed celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at which time Johann said he had no regrets about how his life had gone.
A Celebration of Life for Johann will be held at 12:00 p.m. on December 11 at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, 641 St. Matthew’s Ave.
If friends so wish, they may donate to the WestEnd Commons or Manitoba Opera.
A photo-biography video honouring Johann’s life is accessible through the 'tributes' link below.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 07, 2024
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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Many fond memories of Johann's kindness over the years through my friendship with Peter, whether it was band related meetings, running into J&G at theatre events or just him dealing with a posse of young nerds invading the dining room for a whole day for giant board games. All my best to you all. - Posted by: Tristan Hartry (friend) on: Dec 07, 2024
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Will always remember Johann’s indelible voice. His was a life well-lived. Sincere condolences on your loss, Gail and family. - Posted by: Gerri Thorsteinson (Friend) on: Dec 07, 2024
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I worked with Johann at the Manitoba Telephone System for a few years. He was a really intelligent person, a true asset to the company. I was sorry to hear of his passing and just wanted to offer my condolences to his family. - Posted by: Karen Isleifson (Co-worker) on: Dec 07, 2024
