Gerard Francis Schmaltz was born April 23, 1959, the 8th child of 10 to Frank & Emily Schmaltz. He passed away suddenly on December 1, 2014 at the age of 55 in Wanham AB. Gerard was born at Eston, SK. He started school in Glidden SK and went on to school in Consul, SK and Davidson, SK. Gerard worked his whole life in the agricultural industry, from working with his Dad on the PFRA ranches to working for local farmers, wherever he was, his good work ethic and his caring personality were always welcome. Gerard moved to the Grande Prairie in 1981 and fell in love with the north. He worked in Sexsmith, AB for the UGG, transferred to Wanham where he settled buying some land and continuing his work with Grain Companies as they changed hands. He started raising Registered Paints and Simmental cattle. Gerard belonged to many organizations, including the Wanham Plowing Match, as well he was a standing member of the Wanham Grazing Reserve, and a member of the Catholic Church. Some of his hobbies included being an all-around Cowboy who loved his horses and cattle, and he loved helping to coach two amazing boys, Jackson and Kole, in all their sports. Gerard is pre deceased by his father Frank Schmaltz, sister Theresa (Terry) Schmaltz, and brother Don Schmaltz. He is survived by his partner Deborah Dryer, her children Kurtis(Sarah) and Kristy, grandchildren Jackson and Kole, his mother Emily Schmaltz, brother Ray (Gail) Schmaltz, sister Pat (Bill Thomson), brother Cecil (Betty) Schmaltz, sister Donna (Jim Siroski), sister Sandi (Lorne Zentner), sister Cyndy (Darren Lutz), brother Gary (Tammie) Schmaltz, and many nieces and nephews. There was a memorial service on December 5, 2014 at 2 PM at Coco Hall, Wanham AB. Another service will be held December 13, 2014 at 3 PM at Saamis Funeral Home; 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat AB T1A 1Z5, 403-528-2599. Donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health society; Edmonton Region Suite 300 5th Street Place, 10010-105 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1C4, Spirit River Minor Hockey Association; Box 533, Spirit River AB T0H 3G0, Wanham Plowing Match; 780-694-2233, or any charity of your choice. Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home Grande Prairie 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com