June 22, 1927 - February 24, 2022
William (Bill) Swann passed away into the presence of his Heavenly Father on Feb. 24, 2022, in Oliver, BC. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 22, 1927.
He endured a tough upbringing on the prairies during the depression of the 1930s. He moved to BC in 1948 and met Arlee (nee Simms), whom he married.
Arlee was a registered nurse and Bill became a building contractor. They had 4 children, Edith (who died soon after birth), Fred, Bob, and Bonnie.
Throughout his life, he was a doorway to adventure, new experiences, and a good story. He loved the outdoors (orcharding, fishing, and hunting) and the indoors (snooker, casino, and friends). He loved to take on a challenge.
He was kind to his neighbours, and to strangers stuck in a hard spot. He loved a good cribbage game right up until the last two months of his life.
Bill is predeceased by his first wife, Arlee, who passed away in 1978 in a car accident.
In 1981, Bill married Sandy (nee Mylymok). They lived in Cawston on an orchard for most of the next 40 years. He always deeply appreciated visits from his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bill is survived by his loving family: 3 children, Fred (Jean) Swann, Bob (Anne) Swann, and Bonnie (Wes) Mooy; his 10 grandchildren, Lauren (Matt), Catherine (Art), and Kristen; David, Sarah (Jon), and Michael (Sara); Christina (Todd), Brent (Leah), Dustin (Courtenay), and Arlee (Brian); his 11 great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Silas, Naomi, Abby, Quentin, Autumn, Naithan, Darrion, Bradyn, Easton, and Ziah.
His second family includes his wife, Sandy Swann; her 3 children, Brenda Lende (Earl), Alison Beecher, and Darwin Brommeland (Mary Jo); her 4 grandchildren, Kailyn, Riley, Alex (Tom), and Ben; her 3 great-grandchildren, Grace, Maddie, and Leon.
The family would like to thank the staff of McKinney Place Extended Care in Oliver for their care for Bill over the last 6 months.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Habitat for Humanity would be greatly appreciated. 250-493-1774.