Harold Swift

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of a great husband, father and grandpa, Harold Swift, on September 12, 2015. Dad battled through his illness with rarely a complaint and had a smile for everyone that asked 'how are you today, Harold?' His smile and demeanour were by far two of his best features, tho he had many. Dad was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan on March 3, 1934. This is also where he met the love of his life, Betty Bender, and in 1958, they were married. Their family expanded in 1960 with the birth of their son Greg and then again, in 1964 when their daughter, Michele was born. Dad's career with the Highway Traffic Board moved them to Yorkton and then eventually, to Saskatoon where he retired in 1995 after 33 years. It was during his many night shifts that dad developed his love for crosswords puzzles. After retirement, dad spent many hours volunteering at City Hospital. Dad's greatest joy was his family - Betty, Greg, Michele, Tony, Matthew, Christian, and Joshua. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and rarely missed a birthday, piano concert, ball, hockey or soccer game and loved every single moment with each of them. And, he certainly hit the jackpot when he married into Benders, with so many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews - he loved them all. Over the years, Dad and Mom enjoyed countless camping trips, golf games, concerts, social gatherings, dances, and trips to the casino and they never missed a family gathering. They also travelled quite extensively enjoying many trips to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, Alaska, the Maritimes and Panama, but one of dad's favourites was when they visited Costa Rica. Harold will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his wife of over 57 years, Betty, his daughter Michele, son-in-law Tony, and grandsons, Matthew, Christian and Joshua, along with brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bea Lemire, Ron and Shirley Bender, Bill and Kathy Bender, and Margaret Saufert as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in 2010 by his son Greg, and earlier, both sets of parents, his sister Isabell and brother-in-law Bill, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marie and Ivan, Walter and Flora, Jonny and Mike and niece, Melanie. We know for certain there are angels on earth because we had the joy of being surrounded by many as Dad spent his last days in Palliative Care at St. Paul's. Thank you so much to Nancy, Patti, Michelle, Leona, and the many other care providers as well the Palliative Care Team - Drs. Stakiw, Walker, and Johnson, Calen and Robin, Daphne and Anne Marie for the care and support you provided to dad and all of us.