February 5, 1943 – February 25, 2024
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Tony passed away in his sleep on February 25, 2024, at the age of 81.
Anthony (Tony) Schweitzer was born on February 5, 1943, in Maasland, The Netherlands. He was the third child and oldest son of six children. In 1951 he immigrated with his family to Edmonton, Alberta.
As a child and teenager, Tony was a creative and athletically active person. As an adult he exercised his creative skills in remarkable ways, renovating every house in which he and Clara lived, while constantly working on his dream using old church pews to build a beautiful wooden Dutch sailboat modelled after the Haven. Athletically, he worked on staying fit all his life by running, cycling, downhill and cross-country skiing, and hiking in the mountains. In fact, in 2008 at the age of 65, he cycled from Seattle to New York with the Sea to Sea Bicycle Tour, a remarkable feat!
After moving to Grand Rapids to study for the ministry in the Christian Reformed Church, he met and married Clara Ronda in 1965. Together they were blessed with four children: Michelle (Dan), James (Tara), Lisa, and Laura (John).
Tony served in three Christian Reformed churches: two in BC (Duncan and Chilliwack) and one in Manitoba (Brandon), He then took a call to be the home missionary of Hope Centre Church in Winnipeg where he served this special community and their families with exceptional kindness and pastoral love. Everyone loved Tony!
In his retirement, Tony and Clara continued to live in Winnipeg. He often took guest preaching assignments and enjoyed a good life with his wife, going on time share vacations that took them to many interesting places. They often spent time with their children and grandchildren Bethany, Alexis, Silas, Shelah, and Emmylou. The arrival of their first great-grandchild, Octavia, gave Tony and Clara much joy. At home you would often find Tony in his shop working on his sailboat.
Like all of us, Tony was a flawed, imperfect human being. But he believed fervently in the grace of God and the love of Christ. Today, the comforting and personal messages that he always preached, now assure us that Tony has been warmly welcomed into Jesus’ loving arms and beautiful kingdom. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Clara, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He will also be missed by his sisters, brother and their spouses, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at Covenant Christian Reformed Church in Winnipeg (653 Knowles Avenue) on Saturday March 16, 2024, at 1:00pm.
4 thoughts on “Anthony (Tony) Schweitzer”
I met and knew Tony while he was our transitional pastor at Brandon CRC. He was a kind, caring man. He cared for all that he met, and was so kind to me and my husband, Mel. I’m so sorry for your loss. However, I know that he is resting in the arms of his loving heavenly Father.
Wonderful obituary.
Yes, everyone loved Tony. Uncle Tony had an infectious personality that brought a room alive. He enthusiastically shared his passion for good books, music, athletic gear, and the various hobbies in which he became entangled! Uncle Tony would ask great questions about your own life, and then he would become so excited about something you said that he could relate to that you could see him figuratively bursting at the seems. I loved conversing with Uncle Tony each time I had the opportunity! I will miss him and pray for those close to him.
I wish I had the ability to make it to the memorial and will pray that he is well celebrated!
Take care, Aunt Clara.
Dear Clara and family,
We were saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. Tony was a wonderful person and an excellent Pastor. Pastor Tony was very good to our family in Brandon and especially to Archie. Inspite of moving on with his career Tony continued to provide care for Archie when he returned to his post with Hope Centre.
Please accept our condolences.
Keith and Cindy Buizer, Brandon
I heard him preach in Brandon ; only twice. I still remember his message. I could sense his love for the least, the lost, the last, and the marginalized in our society. I believe he was a true man after God’s own heart. His example as to how he lived his life, is one to follow. May the Holy Spirit comfort his dear wife and children and all who knew him and loved him. Jesus will return soon! We all who are His, will be together, worshipping and praising our dear savior. Even so, come Lord Jesus.