Swidrovich Paul

August 20, 1925 – December 15, 2018

Paul was born in Radisson to Les and Mary Swidrovich, who lived on a small farm in the Hafford area after immigrating from the Ukraine. One of twelve children, Paul was predeceased by sisters Matilda, Ann, Belle, Olga, Pearl and brothers John, Mike, Walter and Bill and is survived by sisters Elsie (Moe) and Jean (Stratychuk), who reside in Saskatoon. Paul’s wife Mary passed away in July, 2012. Paul and members of the family were quite musical, starting a band called the Sweetheart Brothers. Paul left school and was just a few months into basic training at Camp Dundurn when WWII ended, leading him on a different path than the Army. He worked in a grain elevator part time and upon marrying Mary Pasichnyk in 1954, they moved to Wolfe, Sask. where Paul became the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Agent, also running the post office out a corner room in the house.  Paul’s time in the grain-buying business took him to Adanac where he also pursued his Grade 12 Diploma via correspondence. He later spent time running the Elevators in North Unity, North Battleford and Primate Saskatchewan before retiring from the Wheat Pool. Paul and Mary started a young family in Wolfe with the birth of Brian, Lorraine and soon after, Joyce. After attending a one room school in both Wolfe and Adanac, the kids were excited when the family finally moved to Unity. As a fan of Chet Atkins style of guitar playing, Paul’s own guitar talents became widely known through the years. He and Mary made life-long friendships while playing with the Keller family, the Brandles and others. An early highlight was meeting Chet Atkins at a show in Saskatoon. In his later years Paul continued playing when he could and became a regular picking a few tunes at the annual Air Show wind-ups and in the last two years periodically entertaining residents at the Villa Royale retirement Home. Our family was deeply moved and grateful when he was still able to play at his granddaughter’s (Shaina and Brock’s) wedding four years ago. One of his most recent joys was having the Ladies for Liberty, a trio from Louisville Kentucky, sing him Happy Birthday in August of this year. He loved playing music for the grandkids on either the electric piano, guitar, banjo, accordion or whatever instrument was close by. And they loved it!! Following their move to Saskatoon in the late 1980’s, Paul and Mary spent as much time as they could with their grandkids Shaina, Jaris, Jenna, Sharla & Tyson. Even after Mary’s passing Paul continued her labour of love and nurtured one of the largest gardens in the city, sharing produce, strawberries and raspberries with his family and friends. Paul was also well known for his ability to tinker and fix anything; his ingenuity and creativity in ‘fixing’ all things broken is widely known and fondly remembered. But most of all, Paul cared for his family. He showed up to help for any reason and family gatherings were the love of his life right up to the very end. We cherish the time we had with our Dad, (aka ‘Grandpa Paul’) and we sincerely thank the staff of Villa Royale, Royal University Hospital and City Hospital, for the kind and gentle care they provided this last while. Left to share fantastic memories are his son Brian (and Sherri of Saskatoon), daughter Lorraine (and Wayne Somcher of Kelowna) and Joyce in Unity; grandchildren Shaina (Brock) Lynden, Jaris Swidrovich, Jenna Swidrovich, Sharla Humble and Tyson Humble; great-grandchildren Cameron, Beau, Avery, Raeya and Bentlee (Shaina & Brock’s family). A private family viewing will be held at Mourning Glory Funeral Services, Wednesday, December 19 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. A celebration of Paul’s life will take place at Windsor Chapel (704 Windsor St., off Warman Rd.), Thursday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. The Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any contributions could be directed to either the SPCA or Salvation Army in honour of Paul and Mary Swidrovich. The entire family would like to thank everyone for sending warm thoughts and prayers. Your thoughtfulness is sincerely appreciated. Arrangements in care of David Schurr – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.