Tony Swidinsky

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Tony.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary, son Rick (Carrielynn) and daughter Kathy. He is also survived by his sister Emily, brother-in-law Ted and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Margaret (Dunice), brothers Mike, Joe, sister in infancy Sylvia, son-in-law Brian Watson, in-laws Wasyl and Rose Walko (Siwak) and sisters-in-law Olga Swidinsky and Helen Breuer.

Dad was born and raised in the RM of Rossburn Manitoba. He attended Byrd School, Rossburn Collegiate and St. Joseph Academy. Afterwards, he attended Normal School and graduated as a permanent teacher. Later he earned his degree at the University of Winnipeg.

Dad began his teaching career at Valley School in 1955. It was there he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married on July 18, 1959 and son Rick followed in May 1960 and soon after daughter Kathy in September 1963.

Dad taught for 35 years at various schools including Valley School, Dnisiter School, Gonor School, Inkster, Fort Rouge and Victoria Albert.

At one time Dad had a wood-burning furnace and loved to cut wood with his friend Alec Chernetski and mother Mary. It was hard work but there was also plenty of laughter with the running joke being that a video should be made on how NOT to cut wood! After retiring from teaching, Dad volunteered at Club 373 Bingo. He made many friends there and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Mom and Dad also joined the KP Trekkers Mall Walking Group and made many friends there as well. Dad loved woodworking, gardening, was an avid golfer, cross-country skied and played on many different bowling and curling teams. He also loved to do crossword puzzles and sudoku. He eagerly embraced a new challenge and the opportunity to learn something different. He took up guitar lessons and oil painting after retiring among other many new hobbies. He loved playing cards and Thursdays were special days spent with his long-time buddy Don Brethauer going for breakfast and playing crib afterwards to see who could take a loonie from whom.

Dad was a member of #141 Legion for over 35 years. He had a great love of polka music and many a Saturday night was spent at the legion, enjoying the music and dancing up a storm with Mother Mary. Dad loved following his favourite sports teams, The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays and he enjoyed analyzing and complaining about any defeats his teams suffered. Dad cherished his large vegetable garden in Rossburn and jumped at any chance to pick anything that grew including mushrooms, strawberries and Saskatoon’s. After retiring from Club 373 Bingo, dad volunteered at St. Anne’s Church peeling potatoes and making perogies. He also became a Knight Of Columbus. Declining health forced Dad to slow down from volunteering but it never slowed down his spirit.

A prayer service for Tony will be officiated by Fr. Mark Gnutel on Saturday, November 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 35 Marcie Street, followed by a luncheon in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family desire, donations can be made to St. Anne’s Church Renovation Fund in Dad’s memory.

You will always be in our hearts.

VICHNAYA PAMYAT