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Born August 8, 1929, in Berry Creek, Alberta, Colin Evan Swan passed away peacefully at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm, BC, on August 12, 2009, at the age of 80 years old. His final days were spent surrounded by his beloved family and friends and were filled with much singing, love, laughter, and tears.

Spending his youth in southern Alberta, Colin the 3rd eldest of 12 children, would often reminisce of growing up on the prairies with his brothers and sisters. At the age of 17 Colin left home to see the world. His travels took him to northern Alberta, Africa, and South America, working in the oil industry.

At age 34 he met his beautiful bride, Geraldine Sylvia Beal. They shared 45 wonderful years together, filled with many memories, raising a family of 4 children, Cheryl, Janis, Robert, and Daryl. Colin’s love and appreciation of the outdoors was evident in his desire to have his children grow up on a farm in a neighbouring community to Fort St. John - Rose Prairie, BC.

Spending 34 years in the Peace River country, Colin and Gerry built many life-long friendships and were spiritual pillars in the community. Colin’s love for people endeared him to many. His greatest desires were to live a life honouring the Lord Jesus Christ and to be an encouragement to others. He was an elder and then pastored the congregation at Rose Prairie Gospel Tabernacle for 11 years. After retirement, Colin and Gerry moved to Salmon Arm, BC in 2006.

He is survived by his wife Gerry, daughters- Cheryl Sczebel (Jerry Sczebel, children – Greg and Tanisha), Janis Rutschmann (Ralf Rutschmann, children- Shelby, Destini-Rae and Micah), sons – Robert Swan (children- Kevin, Christine, Miranda, Brayden, and Tiandra) and Daryl Swan (Michelle Swan, children – Jared and Curtis).

Colin’s family would like to express their gratitude for your prayers and support in their time of sorrow. Thanks to Dr. Kirkman, and to the staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital and all those involved that made his last days comfortable.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 31st, 2009 3:00pm at Living Waters Community Church, Salmon Arm, British Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The King’s Valley Christian Camp, Box 141, Rose Prairie, BC, V0C 2H0

Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm, (250) 833-1129, E-mail condolences to fischers@sunwave.net.



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