Ed (Eddie) Sawatzky

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ED (EDDIE SAWATZKY)
December 24, 1943 – May 23, 2016

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, dad, and grandpa, Ed (Eddie) Sawatzky, with his family at his side. He was 72 years old.

After living with kidney disease for most of his adult life, a kidney transplant for 9 years and the last 17 years on dialysis, there was no energy to fight any longer. Ed went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 23, 2016.

Ed was born on December 24, 1943 to Carl and Margaret (Rempel) Sawatzky of Halbstadt, MB. He received his elementary education in Houston country school, high school at Altona Collegiate, earned a diploma in Radio & Television Servicing at Red River Community College and worked in the Sawatzky Brothers family business in Halbstadt for three years.

Looking for a career change, he attended Oswego State university in New York, Colorado State in Fort Collins CO and Bemidji State University to obtain his degree in Technical Education.

Ed always spoke very fondly of his time Fort Collins CO where he and Theresa spent almost two years.

He went on to teach high school at W.C. Miller Collegiate in Altona, MB, then to Steinbach Regional Secondary School, Steinbach, MB, spanning a 33 year teaching career. Numerous students have come to him over the years after retirement expressing their appreciation.

Ed loved to travel, and so the whole family traveled to many destinations in Canada and USA. Later in retirement they spent a few winter months in Palm Springs CA for 15 years and made many lasting friendships there.

Ed was an enthusiastic sports participant and fan. He played goal for the Altona Maroons Hockey Club, later for the Steinbach Huskies, and baseball for the Steinbach Stealers. He was an avid golfer until his eyesight failed and had to give up the sport.

Ed even had an artistic streak in him, resulting in many sketches and some oil paintings, a hobby which he also had to give up due to loss of vision.

Our family also enjoyed cottage life at Buffalo Point, MB, for many years, spending all our summer holidays there.

Ed had a love of a variety of music, southern jazz, southern gospel, folk, some country music, and was frustrated that he found himself unable to learn to play an instrument! He and Theresa always packed as many music shows in as possible on their trips to New Orleans and Branson.

Above everything else, Ed loved and enjoyed his family. He was so proud of his children and what they'd become. The grandchildren have many memories of motor home camping trips, renting cabins at various resorts, and many other outings.

No matter how bleak and hopeless his days seemed the last while, a grandchild's visit made his day! He was always interested in all their activities and accomplishments and wanted to know what was happening in their lives. Each grandchild was a huge joy and delight to him.

Upon confession of his faith in 1967, Ed was baptized in the Halbstadt Bergthaler Church. At the time of passing he was a member of Grace Mennonite Church, Steinbach, MB, a place where he really felt at home and enjoyed fellowship. He had strong Christian values and although he was not always so vocal about his faith, he lived it. He instilled strong Christian values in his family, and made sure we attended church, Sunday school, youth, and so on. He gave meaning to the word 'integrity'.

On June 23, 1967, he married his sweetheart, Theresa Nickel, also from Halbstadt, and they journeyed over many hills and through valleys throughout their nearly 49 years of marriage.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife Theresa, his children: Lisa & Kelly Bertholet, Steinbach, MB, Mark & Crystal (Doell), Penticton, BC; grandchildren: Ella, Ben, Charlie, and step-grandchildren: Dakota and Katya Bertholet.

Ed is also survived by three sisters: Marlene & Pietro Gentile, St. Albert, AB, Laura & Al Schultz, St. Albert, AB, Leona Sawatzky & Tim Campbell, Winnipeg, MB; two brothers: Tom Sawatzky, High River, AB, Ron & Donna Sawatzky, Calgary, AB.

Also surviving him are brothers and sisters-in-law Ray & Erna Nickel, Niverville, MB, Leona & Alan Janzen, Winnipeg, MB, and Julie & Ali Fer, East St. Paul, MB, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed was predeceased by his parents Carl and Margaret Sawatzky, parents-in-law Cornelius and Anne Nickel, one sister in infancy, and one brother-in-law.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kaethler and Dr.Krahn, and the palliative care nurses, who helped us through this difficult time.

A memorial service for Ed Sawatzky will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grace Mennonite Church, 430 3rd Street in Steinbach, MB.

A private family interment will be held prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation or Mennonite Central Committee, Winnipeg, MB.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on May 24, 2016