Garret Richard Swihart, aged 81, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of Friday, January 14, 2022 at the Oilfields General Hospital in Black Diamond after a long and courageous battle with C.O.P.D. He died with his devoted wife and best friend of 30 years, Karen by his side.
Garret was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on January 4, 1941. In 1943, his parents Gene and Emma Swihart moved with their three children to Fort Macleod, Alberta. They then moved to Lethbridge in 1957.
Garret met Karen in 1992, and they were wed in April of 2011. They made their home in High River.
Garret loved his children and had a special way with all children. He made friends with them wherever he went, and they gravitated towards him. It was such a joy to observe those relationships. He was ever the teacher and friend; every moment was a teaching moment. He was a kind, caring, and gentle man with impeccable manners, he was loving and deeply loved in turn. He was a beautiful man in every way, and a well-respected member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sunshine Branch, High River. He was an avid fly fisherman and loved the outdoors, camping and golfing.
Garret retired from teaching in June of 1998. He taught Building Construction at St. Francis High School in Calgary for over 30 years. Garret was more than a teacher to his students and made a difference in their lives; he became a father figure and mentor because he truly cared about the whole person. He taught them a trade but a recent comment from a former student was that, “He taught me more than wood; he taught me how to be a man.” We will never know how many lives Garret touched, or the life lessons that are still with his students today.
After retiring from teaching, Garret worked for City Links Calgary working with seniors. He loved working with seniors as much as working with children and he stayed there for 7 years. The impact he left on his clients remained well after his retirement and they continued to seek out his help even after he no longer worked there – he would of course help them.
Garret is survived by his wife Karen, his two children Garret Jr. (Marianne) Swihart and Gayla (John) DeHart, as well as three grandchildren, Ty Swihart, Daisy DeHart and Aja DeHart. He was a stepfather and grandfather to Karen’s daughters; Nicole Crawford and her 4 children, Devon, Ashlyn, Myka, and Seth, and Glenda Crawford and her 3 children Greggory, Jesse and Trey.
He is also survived by his sister Novajean and her 6 children; Ben (Arlene), Bonnie (Brent), Yvonne, Dale (Susan), Renae, as well as 13 nephews and nieces, and 17 great-nephews and nieces.
Garret was predeceased by his nephew Gord in 2014, and his niece Gloria in 2015.
We are grateful to the nursing staff at the Oilfields General Hospital and the Palliative Care Team who made Garret’s last days comfortable. He felt well cared for and would often comment how on good they were to him. Thank you for your compassion.
A Graveside Service has been delayed. Further information will be made available at a later time.
Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals (Craig Snodgrass) of High River 403.652.4242.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Garret Richard Swihart January 4 1941 January 14 2022..
Death notice for the town of: High River, Province: Alberta