EDGAR PURVIS SWAMPY

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EDGAR PURVIS SWAMPY (Dad, Mishoom, Papa, Grandpa) August 9, 1931 February 9, 2007 Peacefully on February 9, 2007 at Riverview Health Centre with his loving wife, children and grandchildren by his side dad passed away. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Theresa of 55 years; sister Dora; brother Germaine, and children, Bev (Bernard), Dennis (Sandra), Priscilla (John), Yvonne, Evelyn (Ross), Debbie, Doug, Howard, Peter (Cindy), Dwayne, 31 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. We will miss his love, attention, and his humour. The children always came first for dad no matter who was in the room. Dad was predeceased by his son Luke; twin great-granddaughters; mother Nancy; father Alfred; brothers, Gilbert, Jean Baptiste, Joe, Louis, John, Paul; sisters, Helen, Evageline and Margaret, and previously his son-in-law Wally Gulyas. In the 1960s he ran a successful mixed farming operation. Dad was one of the most industrious residents of the North Shore supporting his family through various activities such as fishing, trapping, and construction work. He started a lifelong relationship with the paper mill, working at the logging camps and the mill. He eventually turned his love for the wilderness into a highly successful logging operation. During that time, dad's love for nature turned him into a political activist. He lobbied long and hard to get the company to clean the river banks which polluted our water in the community. The reclaiming activity continues to this day and once the shores of the Winnipeg River become pristine again, they will be an eternal tribute to his love for nature and community. He employed many family members, and offered much needed employment to many other residents of the community at a time when jobs were scarce for all. Dad was well known for his entrepreneurial spirit and wisdom. After the logging operation wrapped up, he chased another dream to open a convenience store. With determination and amazing willpower, he scoured Manitoba for equipment and supplies and opened Ed Terry's Gas Bar. Ed and Terry's Gas Bar remains open to this day as a monument to his many contributions to family and community. In 2000, dad was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's). This debilitating disease was his only challenge in life. Dad was determined to face this disease and he fought it to the end. The family cared for dad at home for two and one-half years until the disease progressed and it became difficult to care for him at home. His loving wife Theresa remained by his side day by day to support and care for him through all his difficult and trying times he endured. His strength of character and strong courage has been a source of inspiration for his family. With the assistance of his wife and loving family, Dad lived the longest and fullest life anyone could have had with this devastating disease. Dad went home to be with the Lord and his eternal reward. A star shone bright on Friday evening February 9 as a sign to us all that he was safe, warm, and at peace in the Father's house. The Swampy family would like to extend their great appreciation to the staff of 2 East at Riverview Health Centre for the care they gave to our Dad Edgar during his stay there. Special thanks to Dr. Warren, Dr. Harlos, Dr. Richman, Father Pardias, Father Lavell, Pastor Dan, Diana Rasumussen (ALS Society), Nadine and Alice for their kindness and considerate care. Wake Services will be held at Edgar's home, Sagkeeng First Nation, North Shore, House #75. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Roman Catholic Church. Cremation to follow. Rock Fontaine Funeral Director, in care of arrangements. Toll Free 1-866-499-2601 or 223-2576

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 12, 2007