People come in and out of our lives daily. Oft times we take no regard to the strangers that cross our paths, when within each of us is a self-worth laden with a life time of experiences unmeasurable. It's a task when you realize this whole heartedly and see a value in everyone. At least within myself, it stirs a desire to know the others heart. We are so alike yet diverse because of circumstance more often than not, no fault of our own. Judgement has no foundation in this place. It makes loving and forgiving easier.
All of that said, can take me straight to my own assigned soap box (it's a fact we all have one). However, I really just wish to share and honor someone who I was blessed to have enter in my life. This dear couple became friends to me and my children. Their love and example immeasurable. Our last visit with Boris was after a recent car accident.
Visiting from out of town, I ran into an old neighbor. As I expressed to her of my plans to go visit our mutual friends, she let me know of the misfortune of their recent accident. Grateful for this serendipitous encounter, I knew where to find them. Had I not run into her, I very well would've knocked on the door, to receive no answer, leave a note and left saddened by the unfortunate timing. Instead, we had a nice visit and expressed our consern and love for both of them.
Timing isn't always so forgiving as I learned upon my return, of Boris's passing. A quick visit with a heavy heart to another with a broken heart. Saddened to have not been there to say farewell or offer that added support, I am thankful for him and his sweet wife. For whatever reason I was not made aware in time to attend his funeral, I'm more grateful for our last visit. The kiss he gave to my cheek and the words he spoke, "I love you" are embossed into my heart.
I am thankful to have the knowledge and personal testimony, that we are all part of an eternal family. We have a loving Father in Heaven, our spirits are eternal, this life does not have to be the end to our friendships or our families.
God speed brother Boris, I will see you again!
Boris Arthur Schiel
1924-2014
Boris Arthur Schiel, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away May 9, 2014 in Orem, Utah, at age 90. The third of four children, Boris was born in Riga, Latvia on March 7, 1924 to Arthur Schiel and Nina Dournovo. Boris held fond memories of his childhood in Latvia. Due to an imminent Russian invasion of The Baltic Republics, his family moved to Posen, Germany in 1939. While at the University of Stuttgart, he met an architecture student from Estonia, Ilse Rosenwald, whom he married on July 15, 1950. In September 1954, Boris graduated with a Master's of Architecture from the University of Karlsruhe, and he subsequently practiced in Germany.
In 1954 while in Karlsruhe, Boris and Ilse joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was a defining moment in Boris's life. In 1957, Boris, Ilse and two children immigrated to the United States. Boris and Ilse were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 1959, followed by U.S. citizenship in 1964. Boris earned two M.A. degrees: in German, University of Utah; and in Russian, Vanderbilt University. He practiced architecture and taught German and Russian, living in New York, NY; Salt Lake City, UT; Nashville, TN; Murray, KY; St. Petersburg, FL; Provo, UT; Palm Springs, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Orem, UT.
In January 1985, Ilse passed away. In December 1985, Boris was sealed to Liselotte Haertl in the Los Angeles Temple. Liselotte, an immigrant from Germany, truly blessed the lives of Boris and his family. Together with Liselotte, Boris served several L.D.S. missions, including Frankfurt, Germany Temple Mission 1989-90; Riga, Latvia Mission 1992-93 (instrumental in sharing his faith in his homeland); Freiberg, Germany Temple Mission 2000-01; and Stockholm, Sweden Temple Mission 2001-02. He also was a sealer in the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.
Boris treasured his friends and loved everyone unconditionally, hosting many visitors from all walks of life and numerous countries. He avidly traveled himself. Boris is survived by his devoted wife, Liselotte; three children: Peter Schiel, Rita Schiel, Alex and (Jennifer) Schiel; seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Irene and Tamara. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ilse; and brother, Juris. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 15 11:00 a.m. at Suncrest Stake Center, 90 N. 600 W., Orem UT. Friends are invited to visitation on Wednesday, May 14, at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 E. 800 N., Orem, UT, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Thursday morning, May 15, from 9:30-10:45 prior to funeral service. Interment will be at Provo City Cemetery.
