Donald David Schneider, 71, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away May 3, 2018, at his home in East Mill Creek, Utah. After a three-year long battle with pancreatic cancer and displaying much bravery and strength, Donald succumbed to his symptoms, surrounded by his family and loved ones, with his wife by his side. Donald was born on March 12, 1947, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, to Oliver Milton Schneider and May Holt, and was the youngest of three children.
He attended local schools and graduated from Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute in 1965. From a young age he loved music and sang in several choirs in the Anglican Church, of which his family were members. He was proud to be a Canadian and always considered himself a loyal British subject.
After high school Donald attended Queen’s University in Kingston and also worked for Canada Permanent Trust Company. He loved to travel and toured Europe when he was 20. In 1971 he went to the “Man and His World” Exposition in Montreal where he recognized the sound of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing and was drawn to the Mormon Pavilion.
This experience led to his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1972. Donald came to Utah in 1973 to pursue his education at Brigham Young University, where he met LuJean Neff. The two became fast friends and were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on October 22, 1977.
They are the parents of four children. Donald received a bachelor’s degree in Education from BYU with an emphasis on Special Education and began his teaching career at Centerville Elementary School. In 1987 he moved with his family to a cottage that he designed on Wolfe Island, near his hometown of Kingston.
He worked as a supply teacher there until the family moved back to Utah in 1996. He taught 5th and 6th grades at Vista Elementary in Taylorsville, Utah, until he retired at age 66. Donald served in many church callings, including deacon’s quorum instructor, nursery leader, choir director, and ward chorister.
He was an expert historian and served for many years as a Family History Consultant and as the Family History Center Director in Kingston. As a Church Service Missionary, he helped compile the book Canadian Mormons: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada. He enjoyed camping and canoeing and spent many summers at the cottage on Wolfe Island.
An avid reader, he also loved old movies and British TV shows and comedies. Other hobbies included singing, gardening, restoring old furniture, holiday baking, and entertaining visitors. He was a wonderful friend and neighbor and could strike up a conversation with anyone.
Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa who will be deeply missed. Donald is survived by his wife, LuJean; children Patricia May Zenger (Jarom), John David Schneider (Lisa), Elizabeth Jeanne Schneider, and William Holt Schneider; and 3 grandchildren, Arya Zenger, Jonah Zenger, and Cloé Schneider. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth Ann Constantineau; and brother Roger Norman Schneider.
LuJean and children would like to thank extended family, friends and caregivers for their support and generous donations, which greatly contributed to extending Donald’s life. Particular thanks go out to Dr. Ignacio Garrido and the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Sanoviv Medical Institute, Dr. Marshall Smith, Dr. Mark Dudley, DC-QN, Shelly Wilkinson, FNP, Cherie Nunez, the staff of Millcreek Home Health & Hospice, and the many other health professionals who provided loving and attentive care and greatly improved quality of life during Donald’s last years. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, May 8, at 11:00 am, at the East Mill Creek 1st Ward, 2702 E. Evergreen Ave.
, (3435 S.) in Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held Monday, May 7, 2018, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S., 2300 E., and at the church Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the service. Interment at Elysian Gardens in Salt Lake City.
Donations can be made to cancer research in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be offered at www. HolbrookMortuary.com.
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