It is with heavy hearts that the family of Harry Schudlo announces his peaceful passing at his home on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the age of 84.

Harry was born on March 25, 1942, in Volin, Alberta, and was raised in the Volin and Rycroft area. He worked at the seed plant in Rycroft before relocating to work at the Sexsmith Seed Cleaning Plant.

His journey to the Sexsmith area began when he relocated there for work. Little did he know that this move would become one of the most important chapters of his life. It was there that he met Emily, the love of his life. What began as a move for work soon led to a lifetime of love, family, community, farming, and memories.

Harry and Emily lived in the town of Sexsmith for 14 years, where they raised their three children, Karen, Allen and Leanne.

Over the years, Harry enjoyed curling, hunting, fastball, quadding, travelling, camping, local dances and volunteering at numerous community events.

Harry’s passion for agriculture led him and Emily to purchase land and establish a grain farm. They moved to the farm in 1978, and for 48 years, he lived the life of a farmer—a life he was proud of and one that he embraced with his whole heart. The farm was more than a place he lived; it was where he worked, raised his family, built friendships, and continued his involvement with many provincial and municipal boards. It was where he made a lifetime of memories.

Grain farming meant long days, early mornings, and hard work. It meant never knowing what the season would bring. He celebrated the years when the crops were good and the weather cooperated, and he endured the years when drought, rain, frost, or hail reminded him that a farmer can only do his best and leave the rest in God’s hands.

He didn’t farm to become wealthy. In fact, he would probably tell you there were plenty of years when farming made sure of that! But if you measured his wealth by the things that truly mattered, Dad was one of the richest men we knew.

His wealth was in his family. It was in his wife of 62 years, his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, his friends and neighbours, and in the many people whose lives he touched. His wealth was in the values he lived by—hard work, honesty, faith, generosity, loyalty and always helping when someone needed a hand.

Perhaps one of Dad’s greatest gifts was his ability to make people laugh. He rarely left a conversation without a joke or a smile. He left people shaking their heads, smiling and laughing. He had a way of making people feel comfortable, welcome, and part of the family.

His sense of humour was one of the many things that made him so special. He knew how to bring a little lightness into a room and could turn an ordinary moment into a memory that would be talked about for years.

Looking back, we realize that the greatest crop Dad ever grew wasn’t grain. It was the family, friendships, memories, and values he planted along the way. Those are the things he leaves behind that will continue to grow for generations to come.

Last year, Harry and Emily began a new chapter together when they moved from the farm to a cozy home in Grande Prairie. While leaving the farm behind was a big change, their new home allowed them to slow down, enjoy each other, and make the most of their time together.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Katherine Szczudlo; brother, Steve Schudlo; sisters, Anne Guydash and Marie Shmyr; and son, Allen Schudlo.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Emily; daughters Karen McNamee (Grant) and Leanne Bouchard (Stephane); five grandchildren, Jayden (Hannah), Megan (Cameron) and Nathan (Kahlen) Bouchard, and Brandon (Maddie) and Kristin Schudlo; one great-granddaughter, Claire Emily Bouchard; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Sexsmith Civic Center (99 Ave.) Sexsmith, AB.

Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for fellowship and refreshments.