Obituary of Orest Nicholas Shwed

SHWED - Orest "Sweeney" Nicholas Shwed passed away on Sept 11, 2012 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary. He was 79 years of age. Orest was born on Oct 26, 1932, the only son of Nick and Caroline Shwed. Orest came from the Ituna area where he was raised by his mother Caroline, his grandparents and his aunt Molly and uncle Joe Lewko after his father passed away before Orest was born. He grew up on the farm where he developed his hard work ethic and strong personality. He enjoyed most sports and was very active in the community volunteering at numerous events and functions through the Ituna Lions's Club. Orest loved to work and it is difficult to remember a time when he wasn't working at least two jobs. This work ethic paid off as he succeeded in most everything he did. In 1951, Sweeney moved to Toronto, ON and worked for Canadian Tire Corporation at the age of 19 where he attended many hockey games of his beloved Maple Leafs. His nickname "Sweeney" came from a good friend who knew Orest's favorite player was Dave "Sweeney" Schriner. In 1953 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. The Funeral Service was held on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Lakeside United Church in Ituna with Rev. Brian Mee officiating. The organist, Paulette van der Helm led in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace" and "Beyond The Sunset". The eulogists, Gerald Smith and Zenon Smycniuk shared reflections of Orest's life. Serving as honorary casket bearers were Colin Matheson, Ray Johnson and Steve Premak. The interment followed in the Ituna Town Cemetery Nestor Davyduke, Dale Shwed, Zenon Smycniuk, Eric Shwed, Stanley Smysniuk and Preston Shwed serving as casket bearers. Memorials in Orest's name may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Ituna Town Cemetery