Obituary – Sylvan Swanberg, 77

July 2nd, 1933 – April 10th, 2011

Sylvan Laverne Swanberg passed away suddenly on April 10, 2011 at seventy-seven years of age. Sylvan was born on July 2, 1933 in Valhalla Center, Alberta to Sven and Lena Swanberg. Sylvan married the love of his life, Dorothy Annie Burnard, on August 13, 1960 in Dawson Creek, BC. Sylvan and Dorothy had five children, Dean, Loran, Ann, Sharon and Joan. Sylvan’s father, Sven, entered the trucking business in Valhalla in 1935 which led the way for Sylvan and his oldest brother, Orville to start Swanberg Bros. Trucking Ltd. in Dawson Creek in 1952. They built the company over the next fourteen years. At this time Sylvan bought out his brother’s shares. Over the years Sylvan expanded the trucking operations to Hythe, Grande Prairie, Red Earth, Edson and Lethbridge. Then in 2001 he again expanded the trucking company, this time, internationally to Boliva and Ecuador. In 2000 Sylvan started a fishing charter business called Sandspit Adventures based in the Queen Charlottes. Also at this time he started operations of Swanberg Air Inc. Both of these companies continue today. Sylvan’s constant motivation through all the years of hard work, extended periods away from home and the varied opportunities he turned into successes were on account of one thing, his desire to look after his family. He has been described as being one of “the hardest working guys in the oilpatch.” He put in long hours and had fun doing it. As time passed Sylvan enjoyed many blessings. Sylvan enjoyed spending time with his family which he was able to do more as the years went on. Sylvan always saw the best in people and was willing to give someone a second chance. His contributions to both industry and community continue to have an impact on his family, friends and colleagues. Sylvan is predeceased by his parents Sven and Lena Swanberg his sister Elsie Rude his brother Orville Swanberg and his nephew Dwain Rude. Sylvan is survived by his beloved wife Dorothy, his children Dean (Sheilah), Loran(Tanya), Ann(Tony Sawyer), Sharon(Charlie Hopkins) and Joan, his grandchildren Randi(Todd Alexander) , Lora, Jared and Riley Swanberg, Konnor Sawyer, Luke and Katie Hopkins, great grandchildren Maddie and Trae Alexander, his brother Dale(Sharon) Swanberg as well as numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Sylvan will be sadly missed by family and friends. Sylvan’s family would like to thank everyone who showed expressions of love and support during this difficult time through flowers, food, phone calls, prayers and setting up the curling rink for the service and tea. Donations in memory of Sylvan can be made to the Salvation Army or the Oasis Church Freedom Center. Condolences may be made on line through ww.hamresfuneral.com.

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