Lorne "Lawrence" Michael Szwaluk

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Gido, and Great  Gido, Lawrence Szwaluk, on Tuesday August 15, 2023 at the Shoal Lake  Strathclair Health Centre. Lawrence passed away at the age of 88.

Lawrence leaves to mourn his wife of 56 years Marlene, his 6 children, Yvonne(Ron), Edwin(Shauna),Edith(Brent), Annette(John), Trudy, Jacqueline(Cam), his Grandchildren Ashley(Mike), Jolene(Tyler), Bailey, Madison(Brandon), Jesse, Katelyn(Trevor), Tyler(Tara), Nick(Krysta), Jeremy, Carrie, Travis(Erin), Hunter(Jenna), Clinton, his Great Grandchildren Kane, Braxton, and Kinsley.

Lawrence also leaves to mourn his siblings, Sam(Sylvia), Josephine, Nelson(Lesia), Vivian(Gerry), Ronnie, sisters in law Rose and Phyllis, mother-in-law Jean Presniak, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dad was born November 25,1934 to John and Rose Szwaluk. Dad was raised on the farm in the R.M. Of Shoal Lake. He attended Reidville School to grade 9. After helping his parents on the farm, at a young age he went to Winnipeg to  work at a Chocolate Factory( this would explain why he loved chocolate and candies so much), but farming was in his blood so he returned home to Shoal Lake , rented land west of Shoal Lake and started his farming career.

In the 60’s he purchased a farm and remained on the farm for many years. 

Dad loved the farm and the hard work. He always told his children that hard work never hurt anyone. He was an avid gardener, there wasn’t a weed to be found in the multiple vegetable and flower gardens. Many times during harvest when mom was on the combine dad could be found in the raspberry patch while waiting for another load of grain. 

In 1993 dad and mom purchased a home in Shoal Lake.  Even after retiring from the farm dad remained a busy man. He was employed with the town of Shoal Lake, did guard duty for the RCMP, cleaning at local businesses, and countless hours of volunteering. Dad also volunteered on numerous boards and committees. One of his greatest passions was the Prairie Mountain Regional Museum. He was very dedicated to the Museum and the fundraising efforts . He would always carry a book of raffle tickets in his pocket and was able to sell a ticket wherever he was to whoever he met; he had the knack to sell tickets.

Dad enjoyed travelling to visit his children and family. Dad loved children and was proud of his children and grandchildren . Always liked the company of his friends and neighbours. If he wasn’t tending to his yard, he could often be found at the Drop Inn Centre playing pool or having a challenging game of cards. Dad had a great sense of humour and was a very kind man, always ready to lend a hand when he felt it was needed. He always had a smile, made the best of every situation, and never passed up the opportunity to wave and say hello! 

Lawrence was predeceased by his grandson Brian, his parents, infant twin brother Edwin, infant brother Freddie, brothers Melford and Tony, sisters Margaret and Evelyn. Brothers in law Eugene and Slim, Father-in-law Frank, sister-in-law Alice and niece Roxanne.

The family would like to thank the staff at Morley House Personal Care Home for the wonderful care Lawrence received while living there for the past couple of years. 

Thank you to the nurses and health care aids for their compassion and caring towards Dad and his family in his last few days with us. God Bless you All!