Obituary of DENNIS LESLIE SWISTUN

Dennis Leslie Swistun passed away peacefully on May 30^th, 2022 at the age of 72 with family at his side.

Dennis was predeceased by his wife Donna in 2003, and his siblings Michael and Nancy.

He will be remembered by his loving partner Kathy and her family, his children, Craig (Kim) and Melanie (Ian), his grandchildren, Alex, Eric, Madeleine, and Elijah, and his brother Lanny (Janet). He will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Dennis spent most of his childhood in West Kildonan where he enjoyed playing hockey and getting into trouble with his cousins and friends. He also talked fondly of his summers spent on his aunt’s farm in Labroquerie. As a young adult, Dennis took his adventures to the North West Territories, where he met his wife, Donna, and they started their family. Dennis loved to share stories of his time in the north, which even included slide shows for his grandchildren.  Dennis and the family moved back to Winnipeg in 1974 to be closer to friends and family.

In the following years, so many happy moments were shared at family cottages at Winnipeg Beach. The first summers were spent with the Duncan clan, playing cards, working in the yard, avoiding garage sales and enjoying time with his large extended family.  In the following years, Dennis and Donna bought their own cabin, which led to a new set of traditions and memories. This cabin was truly a source of joy and pride for Dennis as it was a gathering place for friends and family.

After Donna’s passing, Dennis met Kathy in 2008, and she was his loving companion for the rest of his life. Together they enjoyed spending time at the cabin, playing “buy”, watching wrestling, puttering in the yard, and he even developed a new-found passion for garage sale-ing. Dennis’ generosity was always on display as he often searched for treasure and trinkets for his loved ones at the Saturday morning sales. Dennis’ big heart was also evident to everyone who received a card from him on their birthday.

Dennis was also passionate about woodworking and fixing things in his garage. His collection of tools were meticulously cared for. He will be so proud to know that these tools will continue to be used by those who love him and they will forever be a source of remembrance and joy. Dennis loved to share his skills and knowledge with others, whether teaching his grandson about woodworking or his daughter the proper method for washing dishes.

These skills allowed Dennis to help others including family, friends, neighbors as well as his church community, and this was another way for him to express his love and support to those he cared about. He was a gentleman and a gentle man.

Dennis’s favourite thing was hosting family and friends at his cottage in Winnipeg Beach, where a celebration of his life will be held at a date to be determined.  

It is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.