Richard (Rick) Swift

1955 – 2023 

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Rick on May 21, 2023 at home after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Rick will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his wife Doreen and step-children Karmel Olafson (Johannes) and Reid Jaremy. Left to also mourn him are his brothers Gerry (Gail) and family and Ed; sisters-in-law Vivian (Dick) Robertson and family, Jeannette Golletz, Angie Korzinski and family. He was predeceased by his parents Ethel and Walter and his in-laws Nettie and Eugene Golletz.

Rick was born in Winnipeg and attended school in Elmwood. It was at Elmwood High School that he developed his love for music (trombone). After completing high school, he and his mates formed the band Bounty and toured across Canada while experiencing many adventures. Eventually, he realized that he needed more education and enrolled at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Music – his goal to become a music teacher. To finance his education, he transposed music for many musicians and dance groups, a task now performed by computers. His stylistic hand printing was praised by many. Also to support himself, in 1978, he joined Ron Paley’s Big Band and continued to play with them until he moved to Gimli.

Rick started his teaching career in Elie, MB. He then moved to Sandy Hook, MB to teach music at Winnipeg Beach, Gimli Elementary School and Gimli High School. He logged many miles as he commuted between the schools. While teaching at Gimli Elementary School, he caught the eye of Doreen. A courtship developed and they were married in Gimli on July 3, 1993. Rick and Doreen left teaching in 1998 and moved to East St. Paul, MB. to begin life as Dairy Queen operators and owners of Sargent Dairy Queen. It was a seasonal business which allowed them to pursue their love of travel. After six and a half years, they sold the business to begin their retirement.

Rick had many interests during his retirement. He enjoyed reading, travelling, current event discussions with Doreen, viewing his favourite podcasts, solving crossword puzzles, and lunching with his best friend Brian Klowak. Rick and Doreen travelled the world cruising to many destinations in Europe, the British Isles, Asia, India, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, Russia, Canada and the Untied States. Only COVID stopped this travelling passion.

The family would like to thank Selkirk ambulance personnel, East St. Paul RCMP, the staff at Health Science Centre GH5 and all the Cancer Care doctors and nurses, especially Dr. James Butler and Dr. Valerie Gordon for their excellent care and compassion shown towards Rick and Doreen. Rick will be missed for his sage advice offered to Doreen, Karmel and Reid, his quick wit and his sense of humour. He was our rock.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., in the chapel of Voyage Funeral Home, 220 Hespeler Ave at Henderson Hwy in Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg R3E 0V9.

Rest in peace, my dear Rick! I love you to the moon and back.

You will be remembered until we meet again. All my love, Doreen.