ELIZABETH RUTH SEEKINGS

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ELIZABETH RUTH SEEKINGS Following a courageous battle with cancer and with her husband Ken at her side, it is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth (Liz) Seekings on Friday, December 21, 2007 at the Selkirk General Hospital at the age of 49 years. Liz will be greatly missed by her husband Ken Swirski, her brothers, Jim (Jan), Philip, Peter (Pam) and her nephews, of whom she was so proud of, Jimmy, Chris, Jeffrey and P.J. She was predeceased by her parents Jim and Ruth Seekings. Liz was born in Belleville, Ontario on February 13, 1958 and despite her mere 3 pounds 4 ounces, she would soon prove to everyone that she was a force to be reckoned with. At a young age, the family moved a few miles up Highway 37 to Thomasburg where Liz and her brothers enjoyed growing up in the country. In 1973, the family relocated to Hamilton where Liz graduated from Westdale High School and began her career in banking with CIBC. Liz transferred with CISC to Winnipeg in 1986 where she worked at the Portage and Hargrave branch and resided in Selkirk. Soon after her move to Manitoba, she met her soul mate and future husband Ken. Together they spent endless hours in the outdoors at the Big Whiteshell Lodge which Ken and his family (Art and Emily) owned and operated for 31 years. Following the sale of the lodge in 1993, Liz and Ken decided to move west to the mountains, eventually calling Summerland, BC their home. While in Summerland, Ken and Liz managed the Illahie Beach Trailer Park and enjoyed many memorable weekends together in the outdoors camping, hiking, skiing and riding their quads on the mountain trails. Until her illness, Liz was employed with Valley First Credit Union working at their branch in Penticton, BC. Liz first learned of her diagnosis in 2005 and immediately started fighting a battle that she was determined to win. She approached her illness with a great deal of courage and tenacity; never once complaining despite the pain we knew she endured. In July of 2007, Liz and Ken decided to move back to Selkirk to be closer with family and friends during the final stages of her struggle. The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Zoppa and especially all the nurses and staff on Medicine North - Palliative Care at Selkirk General Hospital for their understanding, care and compassion during this most difficult time. A very special thanks also goes to Deborah Vitt whose spiritual support and comforting words made a tough journey more bearable for both Liz and the family. In keeping with Liz's wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes will be laid to rest along with those of her beloved pet Lab Stryker , the other love of her life. Funeral services will take place at the Selkirk United Church, 202 Mclean Avenue, on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Deborah Vitt officiating. Interment at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Winnipeg Beach, MB. Flowers are graciously declined and if friends so desire, donations in Liz's memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Palliative Care at Selkirk General Hospital. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. - Helen Keller Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2007