Obituary of Allan Stewart Swanson

It is with hearfelt sadness that the family and friends of Allan Swanson announce his passing, after a long and courageous battle with his health. Allan Stewart Swanson was born March 5, 1946 in Edmonton, AB. The second child of Knut and Anna Swanson, he grew up in the Beverly area and started his schooling at Beverly Heights School. Those years were very happy ones with special friendships formed that have endured to this date. There were so many fond memories of playing with neighborhood kids, picking berries, especially saskatoons, along the river bank, ping pong, table hockey tournaments and Monopoly tournaments at the Northill's. Sunday family picnics at Borden Park were happy times, especially when Aunt Lily or Aunt Selma were there. Christmas day, birthdays and other occasions spent with "company" were fondly remembered by Allan. Special memories were made spending time with grandma and grandpa Tunem, Uncle Harold and Aunt Hilda on the family farm and getting a taste of how things were done in the old days. Allan especially loved the log ice house where his Aunt Hilda would hide her stash of "goodies", more than one piece of lefse was known to mysteriously disappear. This was also when he got to spend time with Grandma and Grandpa Swenson and the Swenson relatives. Allan was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith, and a big part of his early years centered on church activities, withmany long-time family friendships formed. Special memories are of the annual Christmas Pageants, church picnics, vacation bible school and time spent at Hasting's Lake Bible Camp. Allan completed his education at Lawton Junior High , (class valedictorian), and Eastglen Composite High followed by a two year course in Banking and Busuness Administration at NAIT. Allan chose a career in banking, starting with Scotia bank in 1966. A highlight of this job was several years traveling across Canada, to select U.S. cities and the Caribbean. He then joined the Canadian Commercial bank where he spent four enjoyable years in Los Angeles. The last 20 years were spent in Edmonton at Servus Credit Union, where he attained the position of Director, lending Services. Many good friendships were formed with co-workers there. While Allan never married, he had numerous girl friends over the years. Medical problems forced Allan to take early retirement in Nov. 2005. Sadly, he never got to enjoy his much anticipated retirement years and his last years were spent fighting a host of medical problems. He has now been released from his pain and suffering into the arms of his heavenly Father. Allan is survived by his brother, Edward Swanson of Carvel, AB, his sister Shirley Swanson of Edmonton, AB, and numerous very special aunts, uncles, cousins and long time friends. Allan is going to be greatly missed by his very good friends Jack & Jean Northill, Dennis & Beth Palmquist and Brian & Lorna Hill, all of Alberta. Allan is predeceased by his parents Knut(1968) and Anna(1998), grandparents Jonas and Sofia Tunem, Sven and Anna Swenson as well as several aunts and uncles as well as other relatives. The Funeral Service took place on Friday, Feb.13, 2009 in the St.John's Lutheran Church in Shellbrook, Sk, Rev Dennis Serfas was officiant, Pastor Doug Schmirler was the pianist as well as the soloist.The Eulogy was read by Dennis Palmquist. The internment took place in the North Concordia Cemetery after the luncheon at the church hall. Memorial donations may be made to the North Concordia Cemetery or the Dr Gerald Zetter Care Centre(9649-71 Ave,Edmonton,AB T6E 5J2)or to the choice of the donor.