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Schweitzer

1927 - 2015

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel - Schweitzer(2015)
Mr. Jack Stewart Schweitzer, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Mary Schweitzer, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at the age of 88 years.  Jack was born in Lethbridge, AB. on April 25, 1927, to Harvey and Jessie Schweitzer.  He grew up in Lethbridge and graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute in 1945.  He married Mary McElgunn in Lethbridge on October 24, 1949.  Following graduation, Jack worked for Enerson Motors in Lethbridge.  He then embarked on a 31.5 year career with AGT, starting on January 1, 1950 and retiring as an Outside Plant Engineering Manager on April 25, 1982.  He had an outgoing personality with a sense of humor to match, loved meeting people and telling stories to everyone.  Jack enjoyed challenges and new adventures which included his motorbike rides, waterskiing as well as building and racing boats, including the one he named after his children, “PAMIDIJO”.  An avid sportsman, he proudly excelled at duck and pheasant hunting, belly boat and fly fishing as well as oil painting.  Music was a big part of Jack’s life.  He enjoyed playing the saxophone, flute, drums and was a past participant in the Medicine Hat Jazz Fest.  He was also a proud member of pipe bands in both Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.  Jack was involved in numerous sporting activities over the years;  he golfed as a member of the Riverview Golf Club and volunteered at the PGA Air Canada Championships, curled in league play in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat and with the winning team for the AGT Brier in 1969.  Jack also played hockey with the Lethbridge Native Sons and was a long-time season ticket holder with the Tigers Hockey Club.  As busy as he was, he still managed the time needed to establish a boating club at the St. Mary’s Dam, building a kitchen and spending many Sundays there with the family.  Jack loved camping and boating with his family in Waterton, boating in Twin Lakes Idaho and trips to Kelowna and Shuswap for houseboating.  He was active in the Lethbridge Teenage Club, Sea Cadets as a Commanding Officer, Fly Tying Club and the AGT/Telus Coffee Club.  Jack will be forever remembered in the hearts of his children, Patricia Schweitzer, Mike Schweitzer, Diane (Dave) Ruckman and Joanne Schweitzer;  sister, Pat (Jim) Peacocke;  grandchildren, Calen (Morgan) Ruckman, Leah Ruckman and Meghan?(Erin) Jasper;  great-grandchildren, Graceynn, Mabel, Eli and Stella as well as a niece, Donna and nephews, Dan, Rod and Bob.  The family would to especially like to thank Paddy and Mel Harrison for their love and support.   A Celebration of Jack’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating.  Private Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship and refreshments thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility.  If friends so desire, tributes in memory of Jack may be made directly to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 0G9.  
 


 

  1. John Lancaster:
    Jun 17, 2015 at 01:06 PM

    My uncle Jack was one of the coolest guys ever. When I was growing up he seemed like a god to me. His dry wit, easy going nature, and room presence was incredible. He will be missed!

  2. Michelle DeGagne:
    Jun 17, 2015 at 01:06 PM

    Dearest Pat, Diane, Mike, Joanne and families, I was so very sorry to hear the news of your Dad's passing. He was a remarkable man and a joy to know over the years. Always a twinkle in his eyes...always a smile on his face! My (late) sister, Mona and Jack had a very special bond, and am sure that they will meet each other again. I hope in the days ahead, you will all find peace and comfort in your hearts, and will continue to share and cherish your wonderful memories of your Dad. Warmest regards, Michelle DeGagne

  3. Darwin Linn:
    Jun 17, 2015 at 03:06 PM

    Extending  my sincere sympathy. A lot of fond memories of the past

  4. Sadie McColl:
    Jun 17, 2015 at 04:06 PM

    Sorry to hear of Jack's passing. My husband also worked at AGT and we both knew Jack and Mary very well. I just had to send my condolences. Sadie McColl

  5. Linda Gordon:
    Jun 18, 2015 at 02:06 PM

    I was so saddened to read about Jack's passing. He will be remembered so fondly as the breath of fresh air at every jazz festival. Jack was always enthusiastic, supportive and excited to attend and discuss every performance possible. My friend, Maggie Having a, and I looked forward to sitting with Jack at the concerts as he was one of the positive and happy supporters.  I will miss his delightful smile and his knowledge and dedication to good music.
    With love, Linda Gordon

  6. Thinking of You:
    Jun 18, 2015 at 05:06 PM

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack was a great guy and I really enjoyed playing with him in the SAPD band. He will be missed.
    D'Arcy Morrow Nanaimo BC

  7. Jim McElgunn:
    Jun 19, 2015 at 02:06 AM

    Jack Schweitzer was my uncle and godfather, and one of the most vital people I ever knew. I only saw Uncle Jack on rare occasions over the years, and even less often after I moved to Toronto, where I've lived since 1983. But it was always a delight to see him, because he had such an infectious zest for life, and such a remarkable array of interests and talents. He lived a long life, and he made the most of it. I know that whenever I hear his name, I will respond the same way I always have: it will put a big smile on my face.

  8. Toni-Ann and Dave Petersen:
    Jun 19, 2015 at 08:06 PM

    Dearest Mike, Pat, Diane, Joanne and families,
    So sorry to hear of your dads passing. May it help to know that many caring thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
    With deepest sympathy:
    Dave and Toni-Ann (Sox) Petersen and all the Sox family.

  9. DeGagne family:
    Jun 20, 2015 at 02:06 PM

    Dearest Pat, Mike, Diane, and Joanne and family:
    It is with great sadness that we learned of your Father's passing yesterday. We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there with you today. Please note that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We were all so very fond of your Dad, especially Mona. Our deepest condolences. Hugs and love to you all, the DeGagne family (Denise DeGagne and family (Maurice, Michelle, Rene and Reanne).

  10. Bob Reid (aka 'Daddy B):
    Jun 24, 2015 at 12:06 AM

    I am missing Jack at this years Jazz Fest. I've been coming down from Saskatoon to help out at the Jazz Fest each year and I have always counted on Jack being at every concert and having conversations with such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable jazz fan. I now have a better idea of what a fabulous and full life he lived and how many people he touched and influenced. I will fondly remember him.

  11. Dennis Granger:
    Jun 28, 2015 at 01:06 AM

    Just found out about Jack. I always stopped by and chatted with him when ever we got to the Hat. He was a proud man and a character. Sorry for your loss.
    Regards Dennis and Carol Granger