Obituary of Carl Small

Small, Carl James ~ We are saddened by the loss of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, who passed away peacefully at 93 on February 15th at home in Guelph surrounded by family. Carl James Small was born on July 12th, 1923 in Kitchener, Ontario to Charles Schmalz and Alice Reinhart. He was the second of eight Schmalz children all now deceased: Margaret, Audrey, Rita, Bindy, Lorne, Clarence (Tubby) and Donald. His father, Charlie, was a successful Kitchener business man who built a furniture business and owned several homes, a farm and operated the American Hotel. After the depression, the family sold what was left and moved to Walkerton where they bought the Hartley House Hotel. They ran this popular hotel for over 30 years with the eldest son, Lorne Schmalz, being the last proprietor. Like his siblings, Carl spent his spare time in his youth working in the beverage room of the hotel or cleaning the guest rooms all under the ever-critical eye of his mother. Carl joined the Canadian Army and was stationed in London, Ontario during the war. The ever-dutiful son, he would hitchhike back to Walkerton each weekend to help at the hotel. Carl always liked cars and was drawn to working at the local car dealer. Thus began his lifelong passion for all things cars working in roles of increasing responsibilities in car dealerships across Ontario in cities such as Stratford, Brampton, Windsor and Brantford. He also worked briefly for the Ford Motor Company and saw most of Northern Ontario as their traveling service rep. Wanting his own dealership, he was finally given the opportunity by Ford to take over the dealership in Guelph which had been failing. With his strong work ethic, drive and passion, he made Carl Small Motors a success. Following his success, he became a mentor to numerous others including Ron Leslie of Leslie Motors in Harriston, Walkerton and Wingham. Carl always had such energy for life, a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and good story to tell. He loved to laugh and he loved people. He made long lasting friendships. Above all, he enjoyed seeing his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren live their lives. He will be mourned by his wife, Eileen Mary Kerr; his daughter, Carla (Gary Huggins), and son, Steven (Michele); his granddaughters, Whitney Dillon (Geoff) and Lauren (Adam); Eileen’s sons David (Debbie) and Blair (Ginnie), grandchildren Andrew Kerr (LeeAnne), Robbie Kerr (Angela), Kristen Stuart (Andrew) and Aaron Kerr (Stephanie) and great grandchildren, Ethan Kerr, Eisley Stuart, Mavis Stuart and Elam Kerr. He was predeceased by his loving wife and mother of his children, Phyllis Eleanor Small, who died in 1983. Also predeceased by Eileen’s son, Robert Kerr, in 2014. Thank you for the wonderful care from the team at Nurse Next Door (especially Jenn), CCAC Palliative Team (especially Margaret) and Bayshore PSWs (especially Bernie) and Dr. Will Ruddock for helping us honour his wish to pass at home. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date in Guelph, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Wheels of Hope Transportation Service, for which Carl was a volunteer driver for many years. The family will host a Celebration of Life at Springfield Golf and Country Club, 2054 Gordon Street, Guelph, on Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 1 - 4 p.m. Sharing of memories commencing at 2 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com. Service Information Service Date Sunday, April 9, 2017 Service Time from 1 - 4 p.m., sharing at 2 p.m. Service Location Springfield Golf and Country Club, Guelph Burial Location Cremation has taken place Requested Charity Wheels of Hope through the Canadian Cancer Society