Obituary of Matthew Swaby
SWABY, Matthew (Matt)
October 21, 1987- November 26, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Matthew Arthur Swaby on November 26, 2021, at the age of 34.
Matt was born on October 21, 1987 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the youngest child of Brian and Beverly Swaby and brother to Aaron.
Born a cowboy, Matt had a lust for life – loving hockey and horses and showed no fear. Matt loved growing up on the farm. At a young age, alongside his brother Aaron, Matt was quick to learn the ways of the farm and had no problem running the big equipment at such a young age.
Matt’s love of hockey and talent took him to play midget AAA with the Prince Albert Mintos, before playing in the WHL with the Tri-City Americans and Edmonton Oil Kings. Matt also played for the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. He continued to play senior hockey with the Shellbrook Elks and the Kinistino Tigers. Matt emerged as a leader on all teams and was loved by teammates and fans. He left lasting impressions and created many friendships due to his loyalty, sincerity, sense of humour, contagious laugh and warm smile.
His talent didn’t stop at hockey as his accomplishments continued with rodeo. Matt had the opportunity to compete in saddle bronc riding at the Calgary Stampede.
After Matt moved back to Prince Albert, he met the love of his life, Carla Birkland, in 2012. Matt introduced Carla to the country life and over the years they proudly built a farm together. Matt always said he was “building his empire” and he did just that in such a short time. Matt and Carla wed on June 7, 2014 and began to grow their family of three boys: Thomas Dylan, 6, Blake Benjamin, 4 and Kody Matthew, 2.
Matt was a dedicated father and loyal husband who always put family first. A hard worker, Matt spent most of his time on the farm. However, he knew family time was important and no matter how busy he was- mini sticks, backyard baseball, or building a rink to skate with the boys came first. He loved spending time with his boys and usually had one keeping him company in the tractor, passing along a shared love for farming. He valued his time with family and his friends and enjoyed sipping on a cold one. His love of playing hockey transitioned into coaching his son, Thomas, who shares his father’s love for the game.
Matt was always willing to lend a hand and was the definition of a good neighbour. If you ever were out with Matt, you would need to account for extra time as everyone knew him and he always made the time to stop, say hello and visit.
Matt will always be remembered for his strong work ethic, genuine kindness and wonderful sense of humour. Everyone always knew where to find Matt at a wedding or celebration. He would be either two stepping the night away on the dance floor or joining the band on stage with mic and guitar in hand. His love of country music, singing and dancing will no doubt leave lasting impressions and happy memories with all of his family and friends.
Matt is predeceased by his grandfather, Arnold Swaby and Uncle Arthur Mercier.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carla; children: Thomas, Blake and Kody; parents Brian and Beverly Swaby; brother Aaron; grandparents: Al and Vera Mercier and Alice Swaby; uncle Wayne Swaby, cousins Quenton Swaby, Ryan Swaby (Courtney), parents-in-law: Dave and Wendy Birkland; brother-in-law: Tyler Birkland and wife Jamie; and nephew Braxton as well as numerous aunts, uncles and other friend and relatives.
For those wishing to make a donation, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support Carla and the boys at gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-swaby-family.
To celebrate in true to Matt style, please come casually dressed in your jeans and western wear, cowboy hat, cowboy boots and how Matt would have felt most comfortable.
A Celebration of Matt’s Life will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre, 817 Exhibition Drive, Prince Albert, SK. Private Family Interment will be held at a later date. Services will be live streamed and videotaped. If you wish to view the service, the live stream link is www.grays.ca/memorial-videos/. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Matthew
Swaby 1987 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Prince-Albert, Province: Saskatchewan