The Saskatchewan hockey community is mourning the loss of Rick Schwartz.
The father of St. Louis Blue Jaden Schwartz and the late Mandi Schwartz passed away unexpectedly on Monday at the age of 59 after suffering a heart attack.
In a statement from Athol Murray College of Notre Dame president Rob Palmarin, he says “Rick was a down to earth, no nonsense, solid man who simply loved his family and had their backs 100% in whatever endeavours they were involved in. I recall the hard work, effort and time that Rick and Carol put in with the Wilcox recreational board and the authentic desire they had to improve the recreational opportunities, especially hockey and skating, for the young people in the village”.
“Rick’s love for his family is best reflected as he and Carol supported their three children; Mandi, Rylan and Jaden, not only with their hockey and academics but most importantly in the day to day support that goes with being committed and caring parents”
St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong also issued a statement upon learning of Schwartz’s passing.
“Rick and his wife, Carol, have been part of our family since Jaden was drafted to our team back in 2010. Rick was a frequent visitor to St. Louis, and I always enjoyed seeing him around the rink and on our annual Father’s Trips, where he often was the life of the party.
“Rick’s tireless efforts to support cancer research through the Mandi Schwartz Foundation were unmatched. Through those efforts, a bone marrow drive at a Blues game in 2018 led to a life-saving transplant for a teenager in Alabama.
This is what you get when you mic up Rick Schwartz for a #StanleyCup Final game. #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/XvUCiHP1t0
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 30, 2019
