Ernst Otto Schandl

It is with heartbreaking sadness to announce the passing of Ernst Otto Schandl at his home on August 25th, 2025 after a long battle of cancer and the last 5 weeks at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital. He was able to pass at his home in the presence of his beloved wife, Hannelore and his son, Ernst.

Ernst was born in 1933 in Mittenwald, Germany. He was raised by his loving parents throughout immense hardship during and after the second World War. His childhood and youth was extremely modest and accompanied with hunger for many years.

Ernst’s interests in woodworking and construction already started at the age of 12. After graduation from High School he became a Master Furniture Maker and earned his degree in Business Administration.

Since youth, he always helped and worked for his parents and siblings.

In 1961, he married the love of his life, Hannelore and their marriage was full of love, mutual respect and dignity to the end. The following year his one and only child, Ernst, was born. In 1981, he moved with his wife, son and his mother-in-law to Canada.

After building his workshop and house with his wife and son they started Schandl Enterprises. He built solid furniture, windows, doors and more as well as other construction projects.

His passion was to be in the outdoors hiking and hunting with his son – mountain goat hunting being their favorite.

The love for his wife, Hannelore was beyond description and during their 64 years of marriage, he had never left her side.

He was a man of hard work, compassionate, of integrity and dignity. His smile was captivating and brought happiness to everyone. The combination of touching so many lives and his great sense of humour will remain in the hearts of people and was felt throughout this community.

Ernst taught his son the art of furniture making throughout his life.

He will always be in our hearts with the greatest respect and endless love.

He loved the privilege to live in Beautiful British Columbia and appreciated the way of life and the kindness of the Canadian people since the beginning. He is leaving a true legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Hannelore Schandl and his son Dr. Ernst Schandl, sister Irmgard, with husband Arnold and nephew Arnold Jr and family; brother Herbert with wife Inge and niece Claudia and family, all living in Germany.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Cranbrook Regional Hospital and to all the doctors, nurses and staff while caring for Ernst so extremely well. Many thanks for the incredible loving care and help of Dana Tippe and David Stokes and staff of Kootenay Columbia Home Medical. A heartfelt appreciation is extended to all the staff at St. Martin Dental Clinic, for their wonderful support, which will always be appreciated.

Our sincere thanks to the McPherson Funeral Home for the kind and compassionate services we have received during this difficult time.

Ernst would politely say “Don’t hurry…just get it done”

A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, September 6th, 2025 at 11:00am. A Reception to follow at McPherson Funeral Home. The Service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, please click the following link to view: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/ernst-otto-schandl-memorial-mass