John SWITZER

SWITZER, John Francis
John Switzer, beloved husband of Hazel; father of sons, Keith (Susan), Bruce, Harold wife Cheryl, Philip wife Dolores; daughters Connie husband Alan Tappenden, Valerie husband Grant Ruske and Edith husband Brian Poltorak; grandfather of 16, great- grandfather of six.
John passed away Monday, April 15, at 5:45 a.m. in Edson. Predeceased by his father Harvey; mother Edith; sisters Bessie, Helen, Marie, Nancy and Jean; and brothers Laurie, Dick, Gilbert, Bill, Dan and Jim.
Surviving are his sister Flora-Belle of Kamloops and youngest brother Joe of Banff and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends left to mourn.
John, who was the 11th of 14 children born to Harvey and Edith Switzer of Edson, started working at his father's store, Switzer's Drug, as a young boy. In 1953 John graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and he took his young family of three (to become seven) back to Edson to help run Switzer's Drug. He was the first hospital pharmacist at the St. John's Hospital Edson. In 2003 after 50 years as a professional Pharmacist, John retired and took more time for golf, hockey, his community and his family.
2012 saw John celebrate his 85th birthday, 65th wedding anniversary and the 100th year for Switzer's Drug Store. John was a tremendously strong man and fierce competitor in hockey and track and field. Hockey teams in the Edson area sought out, or feared, John's hockey prowess. A great skater, smart and tough –" Moose" could always be counted on to make a real difference and impact – right until John hung up his skates in 2007. He will be sadly missed by his entire family and especially by his wife of 66 years, Hazel.
The family would like to express their gratitude to dad's caregivers, Dr. Willis, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Donkin, Dr. Sood, all the staff at the Edson Hospital, the staff at the Parkland lodge, Dr. P. Venner and staff at the Cross Cancer Institute for their care in Dad's journey this past seven months.
A Celebration of dad's life will be held on Friday, April 19, 2013 1:00 p.m. at Royal Canadian Legion in Edson, Alberta with Rev. Kent Horseman officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest making a donation to the Edson Cultural and Heritage Organization, 4818 - 7 Avenue, Edson, Alberta, T7E 1K8 or to a charity of your choice in memory of John Francis Switzer.
To send condolences online, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
Edson Funeral Home Ltd. 1-780-723-3575 entrusted with all arrangements.
The Foothills Memorial Chapel
"Serving West Central Alberta
for more than 63 years"