Obituary of Eugene Peter Swain

November 10, 1928 – Skull Creek, Saskatchewan

October 17, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Gene passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre after a short illness on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at the age of 92 years.

Gene grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan but chose the city life. He moved to Medicine Hat, AB in 1948 and worked at Dominion Glass in Redcliff, AB. It was there that he met the love of his life, Anne Baier. After a whirlwind romance Gene and Anne married on June 5, 1951. This past spring, they celebrated their seventieth Anniversary. The couple moved to Calgary in 1953 where they settled and welcomed eight children. Gene was a wonderful provider and worked a variety of careers from independent trucker to building contractor. He especially loved working with wood and built three sailboats which he and family sailed with the Glenmore Yacht Club for many years on the Glenmore Reservoir. Gene also built his own eighteen Foot fifth Wheel Trailer that he and Anne travelled with throughout western Canada and the western part of the US down to the Mexico border. They were avid hikers, campers, golfers, cross-country skiers and cyclists. They cycled from Calgary to Redcliff to celebrate the towns seventy-fifth Anniversary. Gene and Anne passed on their love of the outdoors to their children.

Gene spent several years researching the Swain family tree and preserving the history for present and future generations in a book he wrote in 1992 titled “Restless Men…. Valiant Women”. He also enjoyed writing fictional stories and has passed on his collected works to his family. Gene and Anne were volunteers with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years until they were forced to stop due to Covid.

Gene leaves behind a large family to mourn him, his beloved wife Anne; his children, Dolores (Paul Neilson), David (Anne), Don, Mike (PattieAnn), Trish (Dale Pozzo), Betty (Don Scott), Tony (Cyndi), Maureen (Andrew Weeks); nineteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; He is also survived by his sisters Arleigh, Berna, Carol and Donna, as well as the many friends he made through the years. Gene was predeceased by his brother Gerald Swain and his sister Audrey Fieger.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, December 10, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Gene's service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.   If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Calgary Meals on Wheels, 5759 80 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 4S6 Telephone: (403) 243-2834, www.mealsonwheels.com.

In living memory of Eugene Swain, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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