Obituary Overview
Benjamin Sawatzky
Our beloved Benjamin Gauthier Sawatzky passed away at home with his family around him on December 28, 2018. He is survived by his parents Chad and Carla (Connery) Sawatzky, his sister Bailey, his brothers Aidan and Nicholas, his grandparents William and Barbara Connery, and Allan and Cecile Sawatzky, uncles, aunts, cousins, and his dog, Finnegan.
Benjamin was born on October 21, 2009 in Saskatoon, SK. He was a true blessing from the moment he joined our family. Ben was a happy and energetic boy. He loved spending time with his dog, playing games with his brothers and sister, building Lego, and being cuddled by his parents. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his unique memory to recall movie quotes, and his love of dance whenever and wherever music was heard. He loved sports and in his short life played hockey, swam, ran track, and participated in zumba and gymnastics classes. He also loved watching movies. He especially loved the Star Wars movies and Home Alone.
He was an attentive student at Ecole Sr O’Brien. He enjoyed attending school and especially enjoyed physical education. In April 2016 Benjamin was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He completed 14 months of treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He suffered many side effects. Once treatment was through Ben thrived! He began to come back to the bubbly, quirky boy that everybody knew and loved. He chose a trip to Disneyland and Legoland as his ‘wish’ that brought joy to our family and many happy memories were made. After the fun, we settled into a new normal.
Ben continued to make steady improvements in many aspects of his life. Unfortunately, he was found to have a relapse and his brain cancer became terminal. We rushed to tick off many of his bucket list items – a trip to Hawaii, skiing, NHL games, signing with the Rush, and spending time with family. He enjoyed every moment that he could.
We wish to thank Dr. Sinha, Dr. Ali, Dr. Stammers, Heather, Shari and all the other staff who took care of Ben and our family during cancer treatment. And a special thank you to Dr. Heather Hodgson-Viden and the palliative care team for looking after Ben at home when his health deteriorated. In lieu of flowers or gifts please send donations to Saskatchewan Cancer Agency-Pediatric Oncology Clinic or Childrens’s Wish Foundation SK Chapter.
A Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, January 3, 2018 at 10:00 a.m, both from St. Anne’s Catholic Church (217 Lenore Dr, Saskatoon, SK).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Benjamin Sawatzky 2018..
Source: Hillcrest Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home
Death notice for the town of: Saskatchewanatoon, Province: Saskatchewan
Oh, Carla, I am so sad that your journey has come to an end! You all fought so hard and for so long. You and Chad are amazing parents as your family knows. RIP Ben. You deserve it.