Obituary of SWENARCHUK – Michael Andrew

November 11, 1912 – February 26, 2011 Sadly we announce the passing of Michael Swenarchuk, beloved husband of Janet Swenarchuk, on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the age of 98 years. Michael was born November 11, 1912 in Ethelbert, MB to Andrew and Katherine Swenarchuk. He was an educator in the thirties, later changing to commerce. Michael served as a Municipal Administrator and finally as a member and the chairman of the Saskatchewan Provincial Local Government Board. He was also involved in federal politics and was a Liberal federal candidate twice. He always enjoyed politics. Retiring to Kelowna, he devoted his energies to his Ukrainian Orthodox church, serving as cantor and choir director for twenty-seven years. He became a leader in Ukrainian organizations and in helping the victims of Stalin in the Ukraine. His hobbies included music, history and baseball. Michael and Janet were world travellers to Europe, many times to Asia and Australia. Their interests were wide, varied and global. Besides his devoted wife of seventy-two years, Michael is also survived by his daughter Bonnie Zwack, son Dr. Lauren Swenarchuk, sister Olive King (Al), and brother Robert Swenarchuk (Chris). Leaving to cherish “Dido’s” memory are four grandchildren, Michael (Alyson) Zwack, Andrea (Michael Vermette), Kathryn (Brian Allison), and Larissa Swenarchuk; and his great-grandchildren, Annalise and Nicholas Zwack, Robert, Jonathan and Meskele Allison, and Lindsey and Julia Vermette, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by daughter Michelle Swenarchuk and son-in-law Robert Zwack as well as his brothers Walter and Myles and step-brother Ernest. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers and Tributes at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Friday, March 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. A Requiem Service will be held at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church (402 Meredith Road N.E.) on Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. Graveside Services to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 402 Meredith Road N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 5A6, Telephone: 403-264-3437 or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. The family extends its gratitude to Alice and Marty Dewis for their constant support, to Margaret “Dimples” Thorson, to the great staff at the Lodge at Valley Ridge (Elizabeth and Dorian) and the caring staff on Units 32 and 71 at the Foothills Medical Centre. In living memory of Michael Swenarchuk, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.