David Peter Swynar

David Swynar passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the age of 70. Dave was a proud and caring father, gido, brother and friend who will be remembered dearly. He was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Stella (Maleski) Swynar  and Gayle (Antonowich) Swynar, the mother of his children. He leaves to mourn his children and their families; Tara and Derek, Andrew and Tyler Reimer; Tim and Joanna, Eric, Ellie and Lyla Swynar; Stephanie and Brendan, Adelynn, Finnley and Abigayle Feilberg; Kelly and Alley, Paisley and Colt Swynar. Dave also leaves behind his loving sister Olive and her husband Bernie Froese along with many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Dave was born to Leonard and Stella Swynar on December 26, 1953, in Steinbach, MB. His adolescent years were spent with his sister Olive and many cousins that would come from the city to enjoy farm life. He cherished these early memories throughout his life. He often reminisced of the farm being filled with his family who visited, and his mom, who he loved dearly, preparing meals for the entire crew. 

Dave was raised in Pansy where he helped build and continue the Swynar Family Farm. The early years were spent farming with his father Leonard, and his Uncles Paul, Lazar and Stanley who lived down the road. The farm is where he raised his four children and nurtured their love for animals and the outdoors. Over the years, he had dairy and beef cattle, sometimes pigs, and always horses. Dad was the crop man, cattle feeder, tractor repair man, welder, and could fix almost anything. Dad proudly passed on the family farming legacy to his youngest son Kelly, who has breathed new life into the farm with his own young family. 

Dave met many people over the years as a bass guitarist in his Ukrainian band, the D-Liters-5, playing at many socials, weddings, anniversaries, and even Folklorama. The time spent with his bandmates over the years brought immense joy to him and an opportunity to meet many friends. It meant a lot for Dad to have his son Tim to share his love of music with and play beside him in the band. 

Dave loved people and the outdoors which cultivated an extended family of friends that us children adopted as our own. Growing up, he would often take us on Sunday drives to Arbakka or Anola to visit friends and often play pranks for those that weren’t home. Each year, Dad planned hunting expeditions with his friends which included his children as we grew up. Dad loved his Belgian horses, for many years hosting plowing matches, giving sleigh rides, breeding them and showing them as Tiny Creek Belgians. 

Dad was very proud and encouraging of his children and grandchildren. His love for farming, music, hunting, and horses has been proudly passed down to his children to carry on. The time spent together as a family and sharing these various past times is where many of our childhood memories lie. Although he worked long and hard hours on the farm, he was present for all the important moments in our lives. He engrained in us a hard work ethic, love for family, and passion for the outdoors. His memory will live on in each of us as we continue to share these passions with our own families. 

We would like to express our gratitude to the doctors, nurses and health care aides at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, and recently the Menno Home PCH in Grunthal. Over the years you have provided gentle care, respect, dignity, and genuine concern for our father’s well-being. Dad appreciated every visit and call from friends and family, which brightened his days. Thank you for your time and love.

Viewing will be held Monday, February 26, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, beginning with prayers Parastas at 6:00 PM at Crossings Funeral Care in Steinbach, MB.  The funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 10 am at St. Michaels Ukrainian Catholic Church in Sarto, MB. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. 

Vichnaya Pam’yat / Eternal Memory

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethesda Foundation in Dave’s memory.