ERIC SWIRSKY

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ERIC SWIRSKY 1920 - 2013 Eric Swirsky passed away December 15, 2013 at Seven Oaks General Hospital after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Molly, his daughter Carolyn Rubin (Earl Standil), son Neil Swirsky (Elaine), grandchildren Shannon Villeneuve (Jean-Luc), Josh Rubin (Dana), Zak Rubin, Matthew Swirsky (Jackie), Amy Swirsky (Michael Schacter) and Jill Swirsky (Nathan Tocher), great-grandchildren Makenna, Hunter, Addison, Kiera, Maya, Jacob, Zev, Seth, and Emily, sisters Doris Gilman and Gertie Chochinov, brother Sam Swire (Rita), sister-in-law Edith Gardner, and numerous nieces and nephews. Eric, the oldest child of Goldie and Joseph Swirsky, was born April 28, 1920 in Winnipeg. He lived on the family farm near Stony Mountain until the age of six, when the family moved to their Winnipeg home on Flora Avenue. He was a good student but left school at the age of 16 to work in his uncle's clothing factory, so that he could help with the family finances. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in November, 1941. On March 28, 1942, while on a weekend leave from Camp Shilo, he married Molly Gardner. Two months later he was deployed overseas and he did not return until December, 1945. He continued his artillery training in England and, after the D-day invasion, served with the Canadian forces, liberating France, Belgium, and Holland. His courage, sense of duty, loyalty, and integrity made him an ideal soldier and these were traits he exhibited throughout his life. After his return from overseas, he went into business with his brother-in-law, Alvin Gardner at Valour Cleaners and Tailors on Portage Avenue. They worked long and hard hours until their retirement in 1987. After his retirement, he continued to enjoy summers at Winnipeg Beach and winters in Palm Springs with family and close friends. He became interested in baseball, both as a huge Toronto Blue Jays fan and a player in a seniors slow pitch league, playing until he was 89 years old. He was an active Freemason and member of the General Monash legion. Eric and Molly were daily regulars at the breakfast club at the McPhillips Street Burger King and attended the Gwen Secter Centre every week. He continued to live independently, and to drive his car up until he became ill, five weeks before he died. Eric was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He and Molly were inseparable. He ultimately became her caregiver as she developed Alzheimer's Disease. When she moved into a personal care home, he visited her daily until he himself became ill. Eric had a number of health issues over the years and tackled them with courage and resolve, never complaining, even during his final illness. He always put others before himself. He was a quiet man and was easy-going, modest, patient, and a perfect gentleman with a perpetual smile. A funeral service was held December 17, 2013 at Congregation Etz Chayim. The family would like to thank staff at Seven Oaks General Hospital, Dr. Norman Hechtenthal for his commitment and care, and Rabbi Larry Lander for his friendship and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eric's memory to the Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre or to the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2013