Obituary of William Swedak

May 25, 1933 - Foam Lake, Saskatchewan

January 30, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On Monday, January 30, 2023 (four months shy of his 90th birthday) William (Bill) Swedak passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Bill was a special man who was grateful for everything life had to offer and a loving and nurturing dad to his daughter Dawn (Jamie) Sharpe and son David (Joyce) Swedak, and a kind and patient grandfather to Kaitlin (Matt), Nicholas (Tessa), and Jordan (Adam). He was also an incredible and devoted friend to many including Arlene, Karen, and Gerald whom he truly loved and spoke with daily. Bill was predeceased by his mother and father, brother Danny (Gladys), stepsister Helen (Len), and stepmother. He is also survived by his nephew Ivan (Sylvia) and his children, Jessie and Daniel, and his step-niece Karen.

Bill worked hard as a draftsman, allowing him to retire from Shell at a young age—a company he was proud to have worked for and that let him grow by giving him many opportunities. After retirement, he travelled the world enjoying many different cultures and making new friends around the globe. He was also a talented artist and spent many years sculpting reliefs and models. He was a builder of train sets and doll houses, boats and ships, oil rig models, and canons. The garden was his happy place and there was never a moment where he was not researching or growing some new plant or flower and spending time with Gerald on his farm.

Bill cared immensely for his family by being there for his kids and by babysitting all three grandchildren over the years. He was a kind, generous and gentle role model everyone could count on. The family treasured spending time with him, especially having picnics at Midnapore Lake in Calgary where they all have fond memories. Bill spoke highly of his parents (William and Mary Swedak) who humbly raised him in Saskatchewan and he would share many stories about his adventures with his brother Danny and stories about his favourite Ukrainian dishes that his parents cooked for him as a child. He had the opportunity to tell his family how grateful he was for his life and that he was ready to pass on, which has brought everyone much comfort during this difficult time.

Since Bill was a humble, caring, and thoughtful man, we ask anyone reading this to pay it forward in some small way in his memory. As per Bill’s wishes, only a small family service will be held. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with William’s family here.

In living memory of William Swedak, 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.