Obituary of Michael William Sword

June 18, 2023

Spending his early years in St. Vital, MB, and moving to Edmonton as a child in 1956, Mike Sword passed away on June 18, 2023, in Calgary, encircled in love and peace.  Ever the gentle man, Mike will be remembered for his patience and kindness, his helpful wise advice, his keen perceptive mind, and his quick wit.  His soul-defining desire to serve started early as a chore boy for the United Church's summer camp at Surprise Lake and manifested in his career as an urban planner with Alberta Municipal Affairs and the City of Calgary.

A man of abiding faith, Mike also supported his church and local communities as a volunteer in many capacities from active board member to trusted administrative advisor and more. He had a passion for sports and the performing arts and enjoyed a long association with the Alberta Arts Touring Alliance.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife Lauralyn Chow, with whom he enjoyed nearly 30 years of what a friend described as an endless honeymoon of travel, laughter, and happiness.  Also mourning his loss are his brothers, David Sword (Ruth) and Bob Sword (Mary), and his Chow family in-laws. He will be lovingly remembered by a wonder of remarkable nieces, nephews, and their respective children, whose antics, and accomplishments over two generations were a constant source of admiration, amusement, and joy to Uncle Mike. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (2000) and Ralph Sword (2015).

At Mike’s request, there will not be a memorial service. Donations in memory of Mike may be made to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation in Calgary https://www.childrenshospital.ab.ca/ways-to-help/donate/. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Michael Sword, 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.