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BRUCE EARL JOSEPH SWICKIS
Born: Sep 28, 1948
Date of Passing: Jun 14, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBRUCE EARL JOSEPH SWICKIS September 28, 1948 - June 14, 2014 Bruce Swickis of Winnipeg and Grand Marais, Manitoba, died early last Saturday morning in Betel Personal Care Home in Selkirk after a lengthy illness. He was 65. Bruce was born September 28, 1948, in Winnipeg to Kathleen (Kay) (Moist) and Walter Swickis and attended St. Ignatius, St. John Brebeuf, Montrose, and Earl Grey schools. Starting as a teenager in the old Orange Crush plant, he worked various jobs, retiring from Winnipeg Transit in 2003. Bruce was a free spirit who lived life exactly the way he wanted. During the summer he could often be found at Grand Beach, even hitchhiking there as a teenager. During the rest of the year, he became a well-known character on the downtown bar scene, the St. Charles, the Oxford, the Aberdeen, and the Zoo being among his most notable haunts over the years. On those non-summer weekends, Bruce could usually be found in one of these fine Winnipeg establishments with his many friends and acquaintances, sharing the fruits of his labour or the fruits of theirs. Everyone loved Bruce. He was a big bear of a man who could come across as gruff, but his growl was worse than his bite. He had a heart of gold, and his friends and family recognized him as a kind-hearted soul, decent and generous to everyone. After his retirement from Transit, Bruce moved to Grand Marais where he was employed by Grand Beach Provincial Park until illness intervened. He enjoyed his years in his little cottage with his beloved dog Fudge and continued to nurture his friendships, many of them decades long. He leaves behind a community of loyal friends, like Jim and Lorraine, Ken, Marsha, Billy, and a host of others who will remember him fondly. (The family apologizes for omissions.) Bruce is also survived by his siblings, Roger (Judith) of Gibson's Landing, BC, Walter (Marlene) of Grand Marais, Patricia "Tish" Nation (Ken) of Geelong, Australia, and Harry of Abbotsford, BC, as well as much loved nieces and nephews Darrell, Steve, David, Mike, Tannis (Amanda), Christopher, Ryan, and Joanna, great-nephews and nieces Codey, Travis, Jade, and April, and a score of cousins. Special thanks to his caregivers at the Betel Home and also to the wonderful people at Pine Falls Hospital under whose care he miraculously survived over a year. Bruce will be interred in Grand Marais. A memorial is being planned for later this summer. Rest in peace, Bruce. You surely deserve it. And know how much you were loved by everyone who knew you.
Publish Date: Jun 21, 2014
BRUCE EARL JOSEPH SWICKIS September 28, 1948 - June 14, 2014 Bruce Swickis of Winnipeg and Grand Marais, Manitoba, died early Saturday morning in Betel Personal Care Home in Selkirk after a lengthy illness. A fuller obituary will appear in Saturday's paper.
Publish Date: Jun 18, 2014
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2014
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Harry and Ramon and I used to sit out back of the house on Cambridge and pass the time. Bruce was like the jolly giant older brother who we all liked and respected, whom we saw in passing. He was encouraging to us younger folk, and was always could find out where Harry was. I would like to recontact Tony and Joey Swickis, whom I have known throughout their younger years from B.C. if anyone knows their number or cares to call. Thx! God Bless, Hare Krishna. - Posted by: Thomas Garden (friend of family) on: Jul 09, 2022
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I recall Bruce as a grumpy ,but well meaning person whom was very misunderstood to the normal well folk. He gave toys to his nephews, April, Jade,Travis and even Codey. As I think this made him happy as he had no kids of his own. Although very misunderstood I think that he was a very well intentioned man with a big heart and a kind soul. But Like I said I think he was very very misunderstood by most people. Any way I will forever miss him His Loss, will in my mind, never be forgotten Some one close to his heart.... - Posted by: Johnny fender bender (Friend) on: Jul 05, 2014
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So sorry to hear of your passing Bruce. It’s been awhile since I last saw you. I remember fondly the Friday nights we all shared at The Zoo. You were always very generous with me. We had many good times and lots of laughs. My condolences go out to your Family. You will be missed. Rest in Peace Bruce. I’ll see you on the other side. - Posted by: Joan Winterford (Friend) on: Jun 26, 2014
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I first met “Big Swick from the Rouge” at the legendary McLeod brothers “Cabeen” in the early seventies. That first meeting led to countless beer-soaked, fun-filled nights with Bruce bellowing, mellowing and everything in between. I’m sure the D.P. , “Skipper”, Kim, Billy, Kalijah, and a whole bunch more long gone friends who yanked your chain and made you roar, are all making you feel welcome. You still owe me… ; ) but I owe you much more. Thanks Bruce. I’d hoped you’d be around to ogle bikini-clad babes at West Beach with me in our eighties. If I last that long, I’ll give an extra close look, wink, smile and thumbs up in your memory! My sincerest sympathies to the family. We’ve all lost one of the good guys. Vaya con dios amigo! Bob Brandson…. aka “Boomer” - Posted by: Bob Brandson (Friend) on: Jun 24, 2014
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Aw Bruce, sure gonna miss you, had so many great times at the ZOO with ya,, & you were alway's watchin out for me, RIP my good friend, you were sure loved by all - Posted by: chris Johannesson ( friend) on: Jun 23, 2014
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Spent a few afternoons with Bruce at the Windsor and the Aberdeen, had lots of good times. I know you will be entertaining them all when you cross over for your rest. Bruce, will miss you buddy. Kevin - Posted by: Kevin Smith (friend) on: Jun 21, 2014
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Dear Bruce and family We will always remember you, your kind heart, your free spirit and your humorous grumbliness Lol ..we've had many laughs and great times together, you will be missed by many. Sincere condolences to your family, you're in our thoughts and prayers. You and mom can get into shenanigans again !! Rest in peace our dear friend.... till we meet again Love Jowell, Joe, Michelle and Jake. - Posted by: Jowell Richardson (Friend) on: Jun 21, 2014
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So so very sad to see you leave us Bruce. I will miss your friendship, the many times we enjoyed a beer and a laugh togther and your mischevious ways. Gets me thinking back to the days at The Zoo, sitting at the main table with Cabbie John and the gang cracking jokes laughing out loud. I miss those days and now I will miss you as well. Rest easy Brother, your in gods arms now. - Posted by: Craig Cotrell (Friend) on: Jun 18, 2014