It is with great sorrow and profound sadness that the Shwed family announces the passing of Orest Nicholas Shwed at the Foothills Medical Centre on Sept 11, 2012.
Orest, often referred to by his nickname “Sweeney”, was born in Ituna, Saskatchewan on October 26, 1932, He married Leila Matheson in 1957 and they were blessed with a son, Dale and three grandchildren Eric, Preston and Zara. Orest came from farming roots in rural Saskatchewan where he began his life learning about survival on a farm in the 1930’s and 40’s. Orest went on to finish school and moved to Toronto, ON working for Canadian Tire Corp. at the age of 19 where he attended many games of his beloved Maple Leafs. His nickname “Sweeney” came from a good friend who knew Orest’s favourite player was Dave” Sweeney” Schriner. Two years later he moved back to Ituna to continue his farming career while supplementing his income working for the Saskatchewan Highways Department and playing pool at the local pool hall, a skill he retained throughout his life. Orest started a trucking business in Ituna before becoming a bulk fuel and fertilizer distributor for Esso. Orest was a die-hard Saskatchewan Roughriders fan and season ticket holder. He often made the trek to Regina to watch his cherished team. In 1972 Orest and his family moved to Edmonton, AB where he opened an office for Ace Paving Ltd. while starting a trucking business distributing fuel for Texaco Canada. In Edmonton he developed many lasting friendships while continuing to build his fuel distribution business as well as starting his own paving company, Martex Paving Ltd until his retirement in 1990 when he moved to Radium Hot Springs B.C. In retirement Orest loved to spend time with his family. He was passionate about his home, lawn and garden and developed wonderful friendships with his neighbours and other members of the Radium community. Orest loved investing in the stock market and had an uncanny ability to pick winners prompting many calls from friends and relatives looking for “tips”. He enjoyed golfing and meeting many people while marshalling at the Radium Hot Springs golf course. Orest loved Hawaii and spent much of the winter season in Wailea, Maui. He loved his morning walks along the ocean; golfing and surrounding himself with his family but always looked forward to the day he could return to Canada to start his gardening. He was so very proud of his son Dale and his grandchildren Eric, Preston and Zara. Orest was known as a hard working honest man by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by those who have experienced his love and friendship, his positive outlook toward life and people, his wisdom and knowledge and most of all his great sense of humour.
Orest is survived by his wife Leila, son Dale (Mara) and grandsons Eric and Preston and granddaughter Zara. He also leaves behind Margaret Harrison (Charmaine and Shane); Helen Peters (Byron and Maureen); Colin Matheson; Sharon and Ray Johnson, Sherri Shwed, members of the Kreway and Lewko families, and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Nicholas and Caroline Shwed of Ituna, Sask.
A funeral service for Orest will be held at the Lakeside United Church on Sunday, Sept 16, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in Ituna, Saskatchewan. Interment will be at the Ituna town cemetery followed by a reception and dinner at the Ituna Seniors Social Club. For further information visit www.baileysfuneralhome.com