Niagara College is joining Niagara and Canada’s wine and viticulture community in mourning the passing of Lloyd Schmidt, a pioneering viticulturalist who played a significant role in bringing vinifera grapes to Canada.
Mr. Schmidt passed away February 4 at the age of 78.
“Lloyd Schmidt was a true visionary who advanced viticulture in British Columbia and Ontario by introducing some of the best varietals from the top wine regions in the world,” said Niagara College president Dan Patterson. “Lloyd and his family have also been great friends to Niagara College, supporting our students and wine programs. On behalf of all of us at Niagara College, I offer heartfelt condolences to the Schmidt family.”
Mr. Schmidt gave generously of his expertise when the College was developing its wine programs and Teaching Winery in the early 2000s. He was the college’s first viticulture professor, and served as a mentor to many students and staff. His son, Allan, the president of Vineland Estates Winery, served as member of Niagara College’s Board of Governors from 2009 to 2015, and was chair of the Board from 2013 to 2015.
An article chronicling Mr. Schmidt’s significant contributions to Canada’s viticulture industry was recently published in Wines in Niagara.
Mr. Schmidt leaves his wife, Noreen, sons Allan (Shelley Scott) and Brian (Rebecca Repa), daughter Karen and six grandchildren.
Niagara College will lower its flags to honour Mr. Schmidt’s memory.
Mr. Schmidt’s family and friends will gather for a celebration of his life at Niagara College’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus Learning Commons on Saturday, February 9 from 2:30 pm to 5 pm. Mr. Schmidt’s obituary is available online here.
In lieu of flowers, the Schmidt family has asked that donations be made to Niagara College in support of the Lloyd Schmidt Memorial Scholarship fund which will assist students in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program.
Donation cheques may be made payable to Niagara College and mailed to 135 Taylor Road, S.S. #4, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Attention: J. Cousineau. Donations may also be made by phoning the College at 905-641-2252 extension 7775 or online at: donate.niagaracollege.ca/ways-to-give/ , in Areas of Support, please select Lloyd Schmidt Memorial Scholarship.
