Obituary for Alfred Sawatzky
Alfred Sawatzky
July 4, 1934 – December 26, 2020
Alfred Sawatzky, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in the early hours on December 26, 2020. Surviving his passing are his wife of 61 years, Olga (nee Voth), and sons; James (Rose), Tim (Pam), and Kevin (Shannon). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Russell, Carly (Mike), Heather, Sage, Michelle, Perry (Taylor), Troy, Daisy and Colby.
Alfred was born in Gnadenthal, Manitoba to Johann and Margaret (nee Olfert) Sawatzky on July 4, 1934. He leaves to mourn a large extended family including siblings, Ruth (John) Bock, Peter (Anne) Sawatzky, Jake (Helen) Sawatzky, Johanna (Norman) Braun and many nieces and nephews. Alfred was predeceased by his parents, his brothers; John (Nettie) Janzen and George Sawatzky. Also mourning his passing is Olga’s extended family.
In his youth Alfred enjoyed working on the farm and playing ball. From 1955-1957 he worked for CNR building bridges which led to a lifelong interest in trains.
Shortly after, he met Olga and they were married on September 12, 1959. They started their family in the fall of 1960.
Alf and Olga, together with their three sons spent many summers travelling to various campgrounds and have fond memories of the adventures they shared together.
In the later years, Alf and Olga enjoyed their winter getaways to Hawaii, Florida, and most often to Cuba. During the summer they enjoyed attending many gospel music festivals throughout Manitoba.
Alfred was a kind and caring man and always had a smile and a handshake for people he met. He welcomed his three daughters-in-law into the family as if they were his own. When the grandchildren were born it was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed this new role. He was always willing to walk around with the crying babies, looking at all of the knick knacks throughout the house to calm them down.
Alfred retired from a 40-year career with Reimer Express Lines in 1999. During his time at Reimer’s he made many lifelong friends, and in retirement enjoyed the breakfasts shared with the ROMEO club.
Alfred was an active member of the Good News Mennonite Church and enjoyed serving on any committee that required his expertise.
Although our loss is sudden and he will be missed, we are grateful that his passing was peaceful and he did not suffer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held.
The service will be livestreamed on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at
http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/9251
Interment to follow in Altona Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.. Please stay in your cars. There will be an FM station to tune into, so you will be able to hear the graveside service.
July 4, 1934 – December 26, 2020
Alfred Sawatzky, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in the early hours on December 26, 2020. Surviving his passing are his wife of 61 years, Olga (nee Voth), and sons; James (Rose), Tim (Pam), and Kevin (Shannon). He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Russell, Carly (Mike), Heather, Sage, Michelle, Perry (Taylor), Troy, Daisy and Colby.
Alfred was born in Gnadenthal, Manitoba to Johann and Margaret (nee Olfert) Sawatzky on July 4, 1934. He leaves to mourn a large extended family including siblings, Ruth (John) Bock, Peter (Anne) Sawatzky, Jake (Helen) Sawatzky, Johanna (Norman) Braun and many nieces and nephews. Alfred was predeceased by his parents, his brothers; John (Nettie) Janzen and George Sawatzky. Also mourning his passing is Olga’s extended family.
In his youth Alfred enjoyed working on the farm and playing ball. From 1955-1957 he worked for CNR building bridges which led to a lifelong interest in trains.
Shortly after, he met Olga and they were married on September 12, 1959. They started their family in the fall of 1960.
Alf and Olga, together with their three sons spent many summers travelling to various campgrounds and have fond memories of the adventures they shared together.
In the later years, Alf and Olga enjoyed their winter getaways to Hawaii, Florida, and most often to Cuba. During the summer they enjoyed attending many gospel music festivals throughout Manitoba.
Alfred was a kind and caring man and always had a smile and a handshake for people he met. He welcomed his three daughters-in-law into the family as if they were his own. When the grandchildren were born it was obvious he thoroughly enjoyed this new role. He was always willing to walk around with the crying babies, looking at all of the knick knacks throughout the house to calm them down.
Alfred retired from a 40-year career with Reimer Express Lines in 1999. During his time at Reimer’s he made many lifelong friends, and in retirement enjoyed the breakfasts shared with the ROMEO club.
Alfred was an active member of the Good News Mennonite Church and enjoyed serving on any committee that required his expertise.
Although our loss is sudden and he will be missed, we are grateful that his passing was peaceful and he did not suffer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private family service will be held.
The service will be livestreamed on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at
http://www.livememorialservices.com/Home/ServiceDetail/9251
Interment to follow in Altona Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.. Please stay in your cars. There will be an FM station to tune into, so you will be able to hear the graveside service.