September 4, 2019
Alois (Louis) Schurmann passed away peacefully on September 4th, 2019 at the age of 93. Louis was predeceased by Anna, his loving and supportive wife of 58 years and granddaughter Crystal. Louis was born in 1926 in a small farming village in Lucerne, Switzerland. After agriculture college and army service, Louis worked as a farm foreman in a neighbouring village, where he met Anna Bucher. They married April 14th, 1952 and began farming together the very next day. Seeking further opportunities in 1956, Louis and Anna departed for Canada, along with their young family of three children. Fortuitously landing in the Fraser Valley that spring, the Schurmanns embraced life in Canada and worked on a farm in Cloverdale. In 1957, they moved east to Sumas Prairie, buying a dairy farm of their own.
Louis had a life-long passion for agriculture and farm life, often remarking that the farm was a great place to raise their 7 children. Off the farm, Louis pursued his passion and talent for music, as a member of the Abbotsford Concert Band and Vancouver Dorfmusik for many years. He was actively involved with the Swiss Canadian Mountain Range Association. Retirement for Louis meant travel with Anna, to Switzerland and across Canada and the US. Countless miles were logged towing their treasured 5th wheel trailer to a lake for fishing and camping, while visiting their kids, grandkids and friends along the way. Louis enjoyed a fun party, strong coffee and a rousing game of "Jass" (a Swiss card game). He was fond of energetic debate on a variety of topics: be it farming, politics or the economy. Even if he couldn't persuade you, he was ever the gentleman, ultimately content to agree-to-disagree.
Dad will be lovingly remembered by his children Louis (Liz), Elisabeth (Albert), Anna (Chris), Peter, Andy (Sue), Roy (Tracy) and Kathrin (Kim). Grandpa will be missed dearly by his 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Friday, September 13th at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Ave., Abbotsford.