It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Jason on November 10, 2023 at the Riverview Palliative Care facility in Winnipeg at the young age of 50 after a short but fierce and brutal battle with cancer. Jason will be affectionately remembered by his spouse, Sharon Schmidt, and her children Lukas, Mila, Genevieve and grandson Kendrick, his children Hannah and Kaylee Schoenberger and Josh Somers, father Ron Schoenberger, brother Cory (Jen) Schoenberger, niece and nephew Oscar and Olivia Schoenberger, grandmother Annette McIvor, Aunt Marlene (Joe) Fedora, Uncle Mike (Anita) McIvor, Uncle Rick McIvor, Uncle Dale (Elaine) Schoenberger. Jason was predeceased by his mother Pauline McDonald, grandparents Oscar and Lydia Schoenberger, grandfather Delphis McIvor, and aunt Florence Schoenberger.
Life Story – Historical notes
Jason was born on June 29, 1973 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and throughout his life he was a quiet, calm, gentle but strong, fun-loving force. Friends would describe his childhood character as curious, mischievous, and adventurous and these attributes carried throughout his life. He had a wicked sense of humor, was witty and clever, observant, patient, intelligent and wise and saw with steady clarity. Jason had the ability to prioritize and be calm in stressful situations, cutting through confusion to see what was important and he was not afraid to speak his mind. Jason could be counted on for anything you needed. He was strong and kind, didn’t waste words, and when he spoke… people listened.
Jason loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, kayaking, building campfires, reading, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, spending time with friends, going on road trips, touring museums, but most of all, he loved eating and cooking food. He loved Thursday night dinner with Dad, Hannah, and Kaylee. Not only was he a great cook, he was also very handy, enjoying the challenge of fixing things with whatever he could find lying around at that moment – MacGyvering it!
Jason was a skilled welder working at Custom Pre-Cast Concrete from 1999-2007 after which time he became a Workplace Safety and Health Officer with the Province of Manitoba. He worked the past 16 years with Workplace Safety and Health from 2007-2023, first as an Officer and then as a Regional Manager. Jason took his role in leadership seriously, always striving to improve his skills though reading, research, and training, and putting all he learned into action. He was a man of action and what Jason talked… he walked. He was conscientious, diligent, determined, hardworking, reliable, and professional. He was filled with Integrity, strength, and wisdom. As a result, people sought his perspective and thoughts on many different issues. Jason was generous with his time and gave freely to others in need. To those who asked, he provided guidance and though it may have felt harsh at times, he wanted only the best for those he loved.
Jason will be missed so much that we cannot put into words the depth of our loss at his passing.
Jason, we love you. We ache at the thought of living without you. Rest well, my love.
Memorial service/celebration of life will be held on November 25, 2023 at 1:30 PM at Crossings Funeral Care in Steinbach, Manitoba. There will be an informal ceremony, sharing of stories and tributes to Jason followed by a reception with light refreshments and coffee/tea.
Special thanks to staff at Riverview who provided compassionate care and support.
Special appreciation also to friends and family: Ron Schoenberger, Pat Nevistiuk, Elaine Schoenberger, Joe and Marlene Fedora, and Richard Graham for tirelessly attending the hospital, supporting Jason and myself, and helping to shoulder the pain of Jason’s last days.