Obituary of Eugene Swanson

For Eugene, family and friends were of utmost importance. Born in 1934, he grew up in Big River on the shores of Cowan Lake in a loving household with his parents, Gus and Viola, and his three younger brothers; Roy, Howard and Bud. In 1960 he married the love of his life and best friend, Merle. They were married for 52 years and had three children together; Lee, Sherri and Glenda. Eugene enjoyed serving his community. He was the Reeve for the RM of Big River for several years and was a member of the Kinsmen and Elks Clubs of Big River. He also served as a member of many committees, often as the chair. These included Community Futures Corporation and the Local School Board, School Division Board, Ambulance Board, and Hospital Board. He also served on the School, hospital and rink building committees. Family gatherings were times of joy and laughter for Eugene. Friends were often a part of these gatherings while camping at the lake or curling in the bonspiels in and around Big River. Eugene was a farmer for over 40 years until his retirement and eventual move to Saskatoon to be closer to medical services. Big River, however, was always his home. Eugene was born March 9th, 1934 in Canwood, SK, his passing occurred on April 1st, 2012 in Saskatoon, SK. At the age of 78. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Merle of Saskatoon, SK; his children: ~ Lee Swanson, Saskatoon, SK,~ Sherri (Cliff) Sanche, and children Dylan & Claire, Saskatoon, SK, ~ Glenda (Darrell) Oleksyn, and children Nick & Erin, Prince Albert, SK. His brothers: Howard Swanson of North Battleford, SK & Bud Swanson of Big River, SK, his sisters-in-law: Denise Swanson of St. Albert, AB & Norma Marshall of Saskatoon, SK Nieces and nephews: Todd (Heather) Swanson, and son Roy; Val (Scott) Rutherford, and sons Jeff and Brad; Garth (Janet) Swanson and children, Samantha, Amy, Adam, Luke, Thomas, and Celeste; Darren (Cheryl) Swanson, and daughter Zoey; Joy Ann (Ken) Scott, and children Jesse and Sydney; Troy (Anne) Swanson and numerous cousins and many good friends who have shared in his life. He is predeceased by: his parents, Gus & Viola Swanson, his brother, Roy Swanson, his sisters-in-law, Bernice Swanson and Bertha Swanson. The Funeral Service for Eugene took place on Thursday, April 5th, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Big River Community Hall Big River, SK. Final Resting Place in the Big River Cemetery. Memorial Donations in Eugene's memory may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary and /or the Big River Community Hall Fund. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Delores Beaulac of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.