Dennis Swahn
September 26, 1937 — May 16, 2014
Memorial Service
May 30, 2014
1:00 p.m.
Tompkins Funeral Home
Dennis Calvin Eric Swahn, who was born on September 26, 1937, in Archerwill, Saskatchewan, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2014, in the field doing what he loved. Dennis married Leila Kuc in 1966. Together they had three children, (six grandchildren, and one great-grandson): Gwenda (Felix) Pacholik, Broc and Chance Pacholik; Villetta (Philip) Klassen, Kohl Klassen, Leticia Swahn; Kleon (Jamie) Swahn, Braden Swahn, Kiana Swahn, and great-grandson Joshua Swahn. He looked forward to visits and calls from his children/grandchildren and hearing all about their accomplishments and the activities in which they were involved. He was a proud father and grandfather. His parents, Eric and Marie Swahn; brother Wayne Swahn, and the Swahn twins predeceased Dennis. Dennis will be missed by his siblings: Jayne Schille, Brian Swahn, Sheila (Rob) Elliot, Ron (Toni) Swahn, Gloria (Doug) Ramstead, as well as by his many nieces and nephews.
Dennis took his schooling in Archerwill and left school at 16 years of age to start working with his father in the lumbering business. He then worked with his uncle Harold Bergman as a carpenter's helper in Ontario for a couple of years. Returning home, he joined his father in a brush-cutting operation in the surrounding areas of Archerwill and Rose Valley. Later he started operating heavy equipment in the Tisdale municipality for Harvey Butler Construction and for Pearnie Construction; and even ventured to Whitehorse, Yukon, to work for Dynasty Exploration for a short period of time. In 1965, he again returned home to start farming with his father-in-law Michael Kuc. Together they farmed for over 30 years west of Rose Valley on the Spalding grid. Dennis lived in Rose Valley and drove the 16 miles daily. He sold his land and retired from farming in 1995. He then started working on road construction, operating various equipment, ending up driving gravel trucks. He continued to drive truck for Warner Construction until his health would not allow him to highway drive. This did not stop him from his love of operating equipment however, and he soon found a job driving tractor and equipment around home for Prosko Farms.
Dennis had a passion for all sports but especially hockey. He played for the Rose Valley Royals and coached hockey for several years (as Kleon went through his minor hockey years.) He was actively involved in the community, curling in bonspiels and organizing and participating in many activities, including the Rose Valley Sports Day events. Dennis helped coordinate the snowmobile races held in conjunction with the Rose Valley Fun Festival, sat on the Minor Sports Association executive, as well on the board of the Recreation Complex and was a board member for the United Grain Growers Local. Dennis spent many years hunting and fishing with friends. He had a trailer at Marean Lake for years, where many special memories were created pulling the kids water skiing, house boating and fishing.
He and Leila brought in many New Years at the cabin with their friends, Garth and Noella Grant. Together they spent time snowmobiling, ice fishing and enjoying many laughs around the fire. They also took many trips in the Winnibago to Regina, for the Rider games with Garth and Noella Grant, Llona and Grant Sundholm and Adolph and Joey Halvorson. Dennis lived a full life in a community he loved, surrounded by his friends and family. He will be remembered for always being able to instill security and comfort simply by his presence. You have etched a spot in our hearts, and will never be forgotten.