One of the highlights of Sherbrooke’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations was the announcement of a matching gift from Gerald Schaan of Schaan Healthcare Products and the Schaan family. Gerald’s son Collin, President and CEO of Schaan Health Care Products made the announcement on his father’s behalf. Previously Mr. Schaan had donated over $51,500 in support of Sherbrooke and at the reunion he matched that with a further $51,500.
Gerald was the only child of George and Edna Schaan and born on Schaan’s homestead farm in the Landestrue district southwest of the village of McNutt, SK. Early in Gerald’s life, his parents moved to McNutt where they were general store merchants for many years. Gerald attended school in McNutt and completed his education at Concordia College in Edmonton, Alberta.
Gerald and his wife Mary Lou of Langenburg, Saskatchewan, were married in 1963. Gerald and Mary Lou were blessed with four children, Rosann, Shelly, Kevin and Collin as well as four loving and gifted grandsons, Spencer, Taylor, Connor and Colton and two beautiful step-granddaughters, Jamie and Kayla.
Gerald began his career in the medical supplies distribution business with a National Company in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was later transferred to Saskatoon to open and manage a local distribution centre. In 1980 Gerald and Mary Lou purchased the Saskatoon division of the National Company and Schaan Healthcare Products Inc. was formed. Today the business is a family owned business with all second generation family members involved in the daily operations of the company.
Gerald was a Sherbrooke Community Society Board member from 1990 to 1999. During his tenure on the Board, Mr. Schaan with his colleagues oversaw the planning and construction of the Marleau/Wyant Residence opened in 1993. Gerald was a dedicated board member and generously supported annual fundraising galas, and other fundraising events. He also gave generously to the 1991 Home Again Capital Campaign.
In honour of Gerald’s ongoing support we are privileged to name House 2 on Telemiracle Way, “Schaan House” in honour of our friend Gerald Schaan.
We are so very thankful to Gerald and his family for their generous support of residents at Sherbrooke. At a later date we will announce how the donation will be used to further our mission. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
