MARTIN JOHN SCHLICHTING

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MARTIN JOHN SCHLICHTING February 25, 1963 - April 3, 2016 It is with deepest grief that we announce that our hearts are broken at the passing of a beloved fiancé, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Martin John Schlichting. Marty was born into the loving arms of his mother Betty and his father Adolf on February 25, 1963. He took his last breath wrapped in the arms of his devoted fiancée Lorraine Baldwin on April 3, 2016. Marty's last days were spent surrounded by the love of Lorraine, her family, his parents and his children, Hillary (Trent), Alana (Mike) and Noah; along with his sisters, Judith Neustaedter (John), Tony, Rachel Harms (Jake), Christine (Colin); Helene Thiessen (Dennis), Michael (Rachel), Katrina (Ben); Karen Schlichting (Aiden Enns). He is lovingly remembered by Lorraine's children, Levi (Amanda), Logan (Heidi), Jackie, Devon, Samantha, and T. J. Baldwin. Mourning Marty is Lorraine's sister Ingrid Ward (Bill) and family; brother-in-law Collin Anderson and family; sister Elvera Watson (Marcial Hinojosa) and family and Vivien Watson (Bruce Laudin) and families. Martin is survived by their children's mother Sylvia Cuda (Chris). Marty recognized his brothers by choice: Bert Siemens (Connie), Paul Kaminsky, Robin Karlowsky (Debra Hanna), and Walter Schroeder (Grace). Many dear friends and family treasure Marty's influence on their life. Marty was pre-deceased by his Opa and Oma Martin and Elizabeth Schlichting, and grandparents John and Eliesabeth Peters and Lorraine's sister Sylvia Anderson. Marty attended MCI in Gretna and Sanford Collegiate, but his heart belonged to the farm. He had a varied short career working in a sugar beet factory, as a roofer, assisted in building the infrastructure for water in Sanford, all the while farming. He spent years learning from and working with his dad and in 1989 he traded places with his father, and gradually took over the farm. He farmed southwest of Sanford and built a successful grain farm and seed cleaning business, 4 SIGHT Farms Inc. Marty was a respected farmer in his community and beyond. Marty was past member of the Brunkild Recreation Board, member of the Cross Country Sno Drifters Club, member of Secan. Marty spent countless hours grooming the snow mobile trails. At 23 he married Sylvia and together they had three beautiful children. He was baptized in the former Portage Avenue Mennonite Brethren Church at the age of 25. He was a loving and devoted father and enjoyed watching all of his children participating in hockey, dance, swimming, piano and volleyball, attending every event. He was immensely proud of his children and all of their achievements. He always wished the best for each of them and whatever they were striving to achieve he stood behind them and supported their endeavours. Each of them have memories of their summers working on the farm with their dad, cleaning bins, painting the barns, cleaning the yard instead of the house, bonfires in the back yard, tobogganing behind the snowmobile, life lessons with humour and love. He lived wide in a life cut short too soon. Marty was known for his laughter, his socializing, his affection for people and his need to talk to anyone about anything. He was charming and charismatic and treasured by many. He loved sledding, curling, golfing, dancing, hot tubbing and especially crop touring. Marty said that crop touring was better than traveling. He spent many happy times at the yearly trip to Clear Lake with the family. Marty was a dedicated son to his parents and fantastic brother, adored by his sisters and their families. Lorraine's children respected, admired and appreciated Marty in their lives, particularly his proclivity to become involved in all of their projects. Marty and Lorraine attend the Springstein Mennonite Church. Family gatherings were held at this church. In 2010 Marty purchased a truck scale and fell madly in love with Lorraine. Marty and Lorraine were unbelievably perfect together. Marty and Lorraine shared so many adventures at home and abroad. They built a relationship based on mutual love, trust, support and commitment. They were each other's perfect other and a testament to true love. Both sides of their families recognized and rejoiced in the happiness they found with each other. He will be missed beyond this lifetime. Pall bearers are Michael Thiessen, Paul Kaminsky, Brendan Kaminsky, Chris Kletke, Andy Farrel, Connor Thompson Honourary Pallbearers: Dennis Thiessen, Bert Siemens, Robin Karlowsky, Noah Schlichting, Levi Baldwin, Logan Baldwin, Devon Baldwin, T.J. Baldwin. Ushers: Norm Dyck, Ted Deacon, Jesse Karlowsky, Denny Schlichting A celebration of Marty's life will be held on Friday, April 8, at The Westwood Community Church, 401 Westwood Drive, Winnipeg, at 12:00 noon, with interment at Springstein Cemetery. Family requests that you wear something blue to bring awareness to colon cancer and Marty's love of that color. Friends Funeral Service Inc. in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children's Wish Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2016