Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Cecil Graham Schmitt, of Hanover, passed away peacefully at Hanover and District Hospital on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. He was 98.
Born on August 31, 1927 in Hanover to the late William and Edith (nee Chittick) Schmitt. Cecil was born and raised in Hanover and enjoyed farming. His hands were rough from the fields but always gentle enough to pick up any instrument to play. He especially enjoyed playing the harmonica as well as the guitar, violin and banjo. Many will remember Cecil and his bandmates when they would play various gigs around Hanover. He was a faithful member of Grace United Church and will be remembered for his beautiful voice in the choir.
Survived by sons Larry (Anne) Schmitt of Kitchener and Brian (Sherry) Schmitt of Hanover. Loved grandpa of Christopher (Melissa), Kelly Mercy-Smith Jr and Victoria Smith. Special great grandpa of Kieran and Samantha. Cecil will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families on the Johnston side. Predeceased by his parents and beloved wife Dorothy (nee Johnston) Schmitt.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Monday, August 10, 2026 from 10-10:45am where a Funeral will commence at 11:00 am. Pastor Lyndsay McGregor officiating. Interment in Hanover Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Grace United Church or to the Cancer Society would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Special thanks to all the nurses and staff who took good care of dad at both McVean Lodge and Hanover Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
Our sincerest condolences to the Schmitt Family.
Stephen & Nancy Anderson
Sending my condolences to the Schmitt family. He was a very kind gentle soul.
- KathyMy sincerest condolences to Larry and Brian and their families. Your Dad was a wonderful and very talented man! I remember the times that Cecil and Dorothy would visit my parents (Lloyd and Evelyn). Cecil always brought his harmonica and guitar. Dad would pull out his fiddle and play alongside Cecil, while Mom accompanied them on piano. Before long, the house would fill up with other family members and friends to either join in or to just sit back and enjoy an evening of old-time music. Cecil will be remembered, not only for his kindness, but for the joy he brought to others through his music. God Bless him. He will be missed.
- Keith ChittickThinking of you all during this difficult time.
Bob and Joanne Wilhelm.
I will miss this man - his sense of humour and endless jokes- the medleys he played on his harmonica- his love of his farm and stories he told. Rest in peace Cecil.❤️
- Sally KormannMy condolences to Brian and Larry, I was raised on a farm just down the road from the Schmidt farm and we went to the same church. We knew all the neighbours then and it seems to me he is the last of his generation in that area.
- DARYL JOHN HUTTONMy deepest sympathy to the Schmitt family. Cecil was a wonderful human being. You will know that. I had the pleasure of getting to know him when I worked at McVean Lodge. Loved to play his harmonica or whatever instrument he wanted to play that day for each resident's birthdays. He was a kind man, never loud, and he did love farming. May he Rest in Peace.
- Sherry Lynn Bruder
