Jack Irvin Swartz of Brooks, beloved husband of Joan Swartz, passed away peacefully at the Brooks Health Centre on Friday, July 24th, 2015 at the age of 78 years. Jack was born in Bengough, SK, on January 16th, 1937. He married Joan Stobries on November 3rd, 1961 in High River, AB. They lived in several locations throughout BC and Alberta, before settling in Brooks in 1979. Jack worked on the family farm throughout his childhood before leaving to attend Red Deer College. After college, he drove truck for many years before becoming employed with United Grain Growers in 1979. He was an elevator manager where he developed many relationships with farmers in the community, until his retirement in 1994. After his retirement, Jack and Joan started their own janitorial service; J&J Enterprises cleaning commercial buildings until 2008. Jack was a devoted family man who enjoyed playing piano, loved going for walks with his little protective dog, Gizmo, watching Toronto Blue Jays baseball and curling, family gatherings, camping and huckleberry picking, but of all these things his greatest joy was his grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Neva Swartz, Irvin Hubbard, and his stepfather, Bailey Swartz. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Reg (Colleen) Swartz of Brooks, Jackie Swartz of Calgary, Rob (Joan) Swartz of Lacombe, Brad (Suzanne) Swartz of Medicine Hat and Debbie (Rick) Lea of Brooks; grandchildren, Matt Swanson, Daniel and Meghan Swartz; Kaitlin, Nathan, Jenica, and Jaeden Swartz; Jaymen, Landon, Ethan, and Camron Swartz; and Caleb Lea and sister, Faye Swartz. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 29th at 2:00 PM from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church. Rev. Daniel Peters officiating. A private family internment to follow at the Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Jack, if friends desire memorial tributes may be made to Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, AB, T0L 1G0. Funeral arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA. Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
