Edward George Swayda

1945 - 2024

With his family by his side, Ed Swayda passed away at home on August 30, 2024, at the age of 79 years.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife Anita; children Rhonda (Trevor) Swayda of Winnipeg and Dean (Phyllis) Swayda of Regina, SK; grandchildren Stefanija, Josef, Sofija, Ben and Will; sister Sharon (Barry) Off of Esterhazy, SK as well as extended family members Ursula and Ken Tebb and family, Gisela Goodman and family, Elfie and Bart Hall and family and James Swayda and family.
Ed was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Lucille Swayda; in-laws Henry and Frieda Lowenberger and brothers Garry and Darwin Swayda.
Ed was born in Esterhazy, SK and spent his early years on the family farm. After graduating from high school he was hired on at the potash mine. He then decided to seek his fortune further west and set off for BC. Ed worked various jobs which taught him many skills that he used throughout his life. He became skilled at felling trees, operating heavy equipment and driving logging trucks. He put his tree cutting skills and equipment operating experience to good use at their retirement home.
Ed's love of flying began when he went to work at a fly-in logging camps. After 2 years in BC he returned to Sask. Where he soon met his future wife Anita Lowenberger. To get established they decided to spend a year in Thompson, MB to work at INCO. One year turned out to be 34! While working at INCO, Ed decided to get training to become a commercial pilot. He flew cargo and passengers all over Northern Manitoba. In true bush pilot fashion he began to do "offstrip" flying. He landed at mining and fishing camps on cobbled together runways and when those were absent setting down on any flat area of tundra. This led to some close calls but he survived them all. After 23 years of flying, while based in Rankin Inlet, Ed suffered a heart attack that put an end to his flying career. Whether taking off on a sunny clear morning or coming home through a star-laden sky, Ed loved to fly.
After his health issues, they bought a retirement home on Pine Crescent in Portage. Ed spent many hours on his lawn tractor keeping the entrance to the area looking like a park. For the enjoyment of the grandchildren, he put up swing sets and a zipline.
Ed did not enjoy the cold weather and we spent a part of each winter travelling through the southern US. With their children, we got to see the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Rome, Florence, Venice and Mexico. We were blessed with a wonderful life and family, thank you Lord.
Ed's cup was always "half full" he had a dry sense of humour to the end. He loved and enjoyed life. We were blessed to know him.
Fly High, Fly Free the best is yet to be!
Private family services will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Ed may be made to Central Plains Cancer Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave E, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0K8.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.