Obituary of Ted Swidzinski

SWIDZINSKI - Mr. Ted Swidzinski of Yorkton, formerly of the Brandon School district, beloved husband of Olga passed away on March 3, 2010. He was 86 years of age. Tadeusz (Ted) Albert Swidzinski was born September 28, 1923, in the Brandon School District, son of Maria (nee Borodij) and Michael, first generation Canadians who arrived in Saskatchewan in the early 1920s. Ted attended Brandon School until Grade 8, undertook three years of study through correspondence, and then completed grade 12 in Kamsack, graduating with top marks. Ted worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the Canadian Army to help out with the war effort. From 1943 to 1944 he was enrolled in the Canadian Army University Course at the University of Saskatchewan, a program that combined engineering and military studies. After being deployed overseas, Ted was engaged in active combat in Holland and Germany until the end of the war. Upon his return to Canada, he decided to forgo completion of his engineering degree to continue farming, which was his life's work and passion. In 1955, Ted married Olga (nee Zibchyn). Together they expanded and built their farming operation, farming for the next 45 years. Ted and Olga raised three children in the close-knit farming community which was so dear to his heart. School picnics, dances, sports days, ball games and card parties were woven into their hardworking lives. Ted was an avid ball player in his younger years, and he enjoyed many winters curling with his friends. He had a life-time passion for photography, providing a rich documentary of his travels, the lives of his family and friends, and the Canadian landscape. Ted was known for his sense of humour and his love of books and knowledge. An active community member, Ted was a Kamsack School Unit trustee, a Wheat Pool chairperson and chairperson of both Brandon School and the Brandon School Community Centre. Family was Ted's priority. He was always there to care for and support his parents who lived close by. In his later years, nothing brought more joy to his life than spending time with his grandchildren - playing beanbag, rummy and crazy eights, and going for rides to the creek. After moving to Yorkton in 1999, Ted and Olga continued to spend time at their farm. Ted made many road trips to tend to the garden and grounds and enjoy the home he so loved. Ted was predeceased by his parents Maria and Michael Swidzinski and three brothers in law, Pete Zibchyn, Fred Naboznak and Russ Flodstedt. He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his wife Olga of Yorkton, his children: Melanie (Harold) of Cold Lake, Marlene (James) of Vancouver, Thad (Crystal) of Tisdale; five grandchildren: Matthew, Christopher, Danica, Claire and Addison; sister Eileen Naboznak, sister-in-law Marie Flodstedt, brother-in-law Leonard Zibchyn and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 9th at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Doug Craig of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. Danica Doyle served as the lay reader. The organist, Amanda Buhler led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Those Hearts We Have Treasured" and "Morning Has Broken". The tribute was conveyed by Crystal Swidzinski. The Legion Burial Rite was conducted by members of General Alexander Ross, Branch #77 with John Miller (Padre), Peter Wyatt (Sargeant-at-arms) and Andy Juba, George Arnold, Russell Bishop and Bill McQuarie (flag bearers). The honourary bearers were John Galye, Mike Bobyk, Nick Bobyk, Mike Kuzenko, Walter Popowich, Tony Wonitowy, Alfred Sweeting. The interment took place at Yorkton City Cemetery with Matthew Malayney, Christopher Malayney, Bruce Flodstedt, David Tataryn, Myron Tatarniuk and Michael Malayney serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Ted can be made to the Nature Conservacy of Canada or the Alzheimer's Association. Condolences to the family can be emailed to baileysfuneralhome@sasktel.net Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 11:00am Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery