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PETER SWERDLYK Obituary
SWERDLYK
Peter Swerdlyk passed away peacefully, at Hogarth Riverview Manor, to join our Heavenly Father on November 6, 2025 at the age of 101.
Born on October 8, 1924 to Nicholas and Marcella Swerdlyk, the youngest of three sons, he was raised in the East End. He attended St. Peter's School and then joined the workforce at age 16, working for Can Car as a welder and in later years, in tool repair, retiring in 1985.
Dad joined the army from 1944-1946 and was stationed at Camp Borden near Kingston. The war ended just as he completed basic training. On Dad's return, he married his childhood neighbour and sweetheart, Anne Sytnyk, in 1946. At that time, Dad's nickname was "Muscles" around Can Car and with his "Pepsi Pete's Hockey Team", likely for his small, but mighty frame! In 1953, Dad built the family home on Alexandra Street. This was where Mom and Dad raised their family. Later in life, Dad became known as "Gigi" to his grandchildren and to extended family and neighbours.
Dad was also known to everyone as "Mr. Fix-It" or "Jack-of-all-Trades". He had a passion for fixing/repairing anything that was broken, and building things was a hobby. Dad was proud to say he was self-taught at everything! Back in those days, Dad relied on books, then continued to learn through computers. That passion continued even through his 100th year; there are not too many his age who are savvy texters with a Facebook profile!
Dad was a very busy man and proud of his creations over the years, especially with his woodworking. He spent a lot of time at his daughter Barbara's house fixing things and correcting opinions of contractors over the years…Dad always knew and could do better! During Covid, Dad spent his time sewing masks and baking. Right up until his 98th year, Mr. Fix-It spent a lot of time with his son Donald in his garage creating gifts for family and friends from wood, welding, doing repairs of all sorts, and still gardening, but on his condo balcony.
At age 100, Dad chose to give up his driver's licence and decided it was also time to give up his condo and move into Hogarth. People found it hard to believe Dad's age at various stages of his life, given how sharp he always was. Even at age 100, he took pride in his appearance, kept busy doing puzzles, and kept aware of what was happening in the world.
Dad's faith and commitment to the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church and the church community were very important to him. He made so many friends there and was very involved. He served on parish council, helping in fundraising for the build of the church, and with renovations and repairs of the church over the years. Dad was very proud to be the last surviving Charter Member of the St. George's Society Men's Club. In 2022, Dad received a Volunteer Service Award for 60 years in St. George's Society from the Province of Ontario. He also served on the board of directors for the Holy Cross Villa.
Dad was a founding member of the Holy Cross Golder Agers Club, where he served as Vice-President, President, and Trustee. He was the main Bingo caller until he was 94. Until he moved into Hogarth, he was still considered the expert to run the perogy dough machine and had to train his replacements.
Dad enjoyed many cross-border trips with the Golden Agers and trips with family to the Caribbean, Italy, and Australia over the years, some involving a bit of gambling, especially those quick trips to Grand Portage with son-in-law Jerry, and trips with his son Richard to see Dad's favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dad was always supportive of his family and would be there for them in a heart-beat. He never missed an activity or milestone event. He was so proud of his family! Dad will be greatly missed by his children Donald (Georgette), Richard (Lisa Nelson), and Barbara (Jerry Oleksuk), grandchildren Bryan (Niki), Shannon (Dave), Lloyd (Annalisa), Brian, Aaron (Tavia), Kyle, Nicole (Stuart), and Jessica, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who were very near and dear to his heart.
Peter was predeceased by his dear wife, Anne, in 1993, infant son Wayne Nicholas, parents Nicholas and Marcella, brothers and sisters-in-law Michael and Mary, and Walter and Josie, and nephews and niece Russell, Kenny, and MaryAnn.
We would like to thank the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for treating our dad like family. Your commitment has given our family a peace of mind.
Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church at 415 Victoria Avenue W. by Fr. Andriy Stetsyk on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
Peter Swerdlyk passed away peacefully, at Hogarth Riverview Manor, to join our Heavenly Father on November 6, 2025 at the age of 101.
Born on October 8, 1924 to Nicholas and Marcella Swerdlyk, the youngest of three sons, he was raised in the East End. He attended St. Peter's School and then joined the workforce at age 16, working for Can Car as a welder and in later years, in tool repair, retiring in 1985.
Dad joined the army from 1944-1946 and was stationed at Camp Borden near Kingston. The war ended just as he completed basic training. On Dad's return, he married his childhood neighbour and sweetheart, Anne Sytnyk, in 1946. At that time, Dad's nickname was "Muscles" around Can Car and with his "Pepsi Pete's Hockey Team", likely for his small, but mighty frame! In 1953, Dad built the family home on Alexandra Street. This was where Mom and Dad raised their family. Later in life, Dad became known as "Gigi" to his grandchildren and to extended family and neighbours.
Dad was also known to everyone as "Mr. Fix-It" or "Jack-of-all-Trades". He had a passion for fixing/repairing anything that was broken, and building things was a hobby. Dad was proud to say he was self-taught at everything! Back in those days, Dad relied on books, then continued to learn through computers. That passion continued even through his 100th year; there are not too many his age who are savvy texters with a Facebook profile!
Dad was a very busy man and proud of his creations over the years, especially with his woodworking. He spent a lot of time at his daughter Barbara's house fixing things and correcting opinions of contractors over the years…Dad always knew and could do better! During Covid, Dad spent his time sewing masks and baking. Right up until his 98th year, Mr. Fix-It spent a lot of time with his son Donald in his garage creating gifts for family and friends from wood, welding, doing repairs of all sorts, and still gardening, but on his condo balcony.
At age 100, Dad chose to give up his driver's licence and decided it was also time to give up his condo and move into Hogarth. People found it hard to believe Dad's age at various stages of his life, given how sharp he always was. Even at age 100, he took pride in his appearance, kept busy doing puzzles, and kept aware of what was happening in the world.
Dad's faith and commitment to the Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church and the church community were very important to him. He made so many friends there and was very involved. He served on parish council, helping in fundraising for the build of the church, and with renovations and repairs of the church over the years. Dad was very proud to be the last surviving Charter Member of the St. George's Society Men's Club. In 2022, Dad received a Volunteer Service Award for 60 years in St. George's Society from the Province of Ontario. He also served on the board of directors for the Holy Cross Villa.
Dad was a founding member of the Holy Cross Golder Agers Club, where he served as Vice-President, President, and Trustee. He was the main Bingo caller until he was 94. Until he moved into Hogarth, he was still considered the expert to run the perogy dough machine and had to train his replacements.
Dad enjoyed many cross-border trips with the Golden Agers and trips with family to the Caribbean, Italy, and Australia over the years, some involving a bit of gambling, especially those quick trips to Grand Portage with son-in-law Jerry, and trips with his son Richard to see Dad's favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Dad was always supportive of his family and would be there for them in a heart-beat. He never missed an activity or milestone event. He was so proud of his family! Dad will be greatly missed by his children Donald (Georgette), Richard (Lisa Nelson), and Barbara (Jerry Oleksuk), grandchildren Bryan (Niki), Shannon (Dave), Lloyd (Annalisa), Brian, Aaron (Tavia), Kyle, Nicole (Stuart), and Jessica, eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who were very near and dear to his heart.
Peter was predeceased by his dear wife, Anne, in 1993, infant son Wayne Nicholas, parents Nicholas and Marcella, brothers and sisters-in-law Michael and Mary, and Walter and Josie, and nephews and niece Russell, Kenny, and MaryAnn.
We would like to thank the staff at Hogarth Riverview Manor for treating our dad like family. Your commitment has given our family a peace of mind.
Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Holy Cross Ukrainian Catholic Church at 415 Victoria Avenue W. by Fr. Andriy Stetsyk on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to Ontario Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Northern Cancer Research Foundation.
On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Nov. 15, 2025.
Memories and Condolences
for PETER SWERDLYK
Sponsored by Blake Funeral Chapel.
2 Entries
Janice Srutis
November 15, 2025
My deepest condolences to all
the family members . I still remember getting together at the home on Alexandra Street with my mom to visit , Peter was always outside doing something. All of us kids were young and we always managed to find something to do . Memories last forever.
Loretta Kotarac
November 15, 2025
Barb and family, so very sorry to hear of your dad´s passing. Loved reading your beautiful tribute with all of his many accomplishments. What an example to all of us! Sending hugs and heartfelt condolences.
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