Obituary - William Swenson
William Swenson
1961 - 2024
"Bill"
William Henry Swenson passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the age of 63 years. Bill was born the fourth of five children to parents, Ray and Mary Swenson of Bindloss. He was more affectionately known as Billy or Bill, however, his mother often referred to him as “you little crap hound” though everyone knew it as her loving term of endearment for him.
Bill deeply loved growing up on the family farm in Bindloss, Alberta. It continues to be a very special place for him, both for the home as well as for the wonderful community of neighbours and friends that were considered family. Bill attended elementary and junior high schooling in Bindloss; dabbled in high school at Medicine Hat High for a while, followed by a short stint at Oyen High School. It was eventually agreed that his endeavors were better suited to working and he thrived in millwright apprenticeship/work.
Bill lived fully and completely, roaring through life with a contagious smile, sparkling eyes and a quick laugh. His open-hearted personality drew people to him, making friends effortlessly and everywhere. His love of people combined with a huge wild and mischievous streak made for many legendary stories and adventures. Everyone has stories of Bill, and I think it’s fair to say he coloured outside the lines of life. Just ask his family about his brushes with the police or legal system (all snowman events were mischievous in intent).
When Bill was 21, a tragic accident left him paralyzed as a quadriplegic. He spent several very hard months in the hospital under the care of some amazing nurses and doctors who truly cared. His goal at the end of his stay was to come home to the farm. His mom and family were determined to make that possible. With the help of family, many friends and a wonderful community who rallied around to support and help in countless ways, Bill was able to come home and start the process of learning a new life. It wasn’t easy and certainly wasn’t a smooth transition. It was hard but he succeeded spectacularly in the end. Bill’s natural ability with people came through and he made many more friends with many more adventures. The wheelchair was just an extension of Bill, but it didn’t define him.
After several years at home, Bill moved to Medicine Hat where he had the very good fortune to meet his match. Kathy came into his life and soon became the center of his life. He couldn’t have been happier or prouder then when Kathy’s two children became his two children. With their son, Justin and daughter, Alyssa they became a close family, and Bill loved them wholeheartedly and deeply. He loved being the dad that took them to their hockey or skating and all the after-school activities. He didn’t take it for granted and he couldn’t have asked for more. Later on, Justin’s son, Lincoln was born and Bill and Kathy became grandparents for the first time. You couldn’t have had prouder grandparents! Bill was thrilled to be Papa, and when Justin’s daughter, Amelia and Alyssa’s daughter, Adalayne were born, Bill’s life got even brighter as he lit up when they came into the room. Justin’s partner, Kayla and Alyssa’s husband, Josh rounded out their family and Bill couldn’t have been happier or prouder of each of them.
Kathy was not one in a million, she was one in one hundred million. She recognized Bill’s life could get more complicated as he grew older, and together they made the decision to do the things that were important to them. This involved extensive travel to many places, from road trips to Disneyland, to many Caribbean Island excursions as well as to Europe and Hawaii. They discovered they loved cruising after travelling with a very large group of about 50 of Bill’s extended family members. Over the years they went on many more cruises and trips with Bill spending countless hours researching excursions that interested him and finding ways to make it possible. Several of these trips were with siblings, cousins and extended family members.
All of these trips were because of Kathy as she was devoted to caring for him. Her sheer determination enabled Bill to live a very full and wonderful life as she was also the reason he survived many critical episodes in his life.
Bill loved life, whether on two legs or four wheels, he continued to find fun and a reason to laugh. He inspired and made an impact on the lives of his many nieces and nephews, family and friends throughout his life.
Bill will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; son, Justin (Kayla); daughter, Alyssa (Josh); grandchildren, Lincoln, Amelia and Adalayne as well as his future granddaughter, who will be born in the spring and will learn all about Papa Bill. He will also be greatly missed by his siblings, Daryl (Sandra Sinclair), Debbie (Dale Ross), Dennis (Kathi) and Diane (Walter Nordhagen) as well as many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Later this summer Bill will go home to the farm to be with his mom as he wished. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Bindloss at that time.
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Karen and Doug Shwetz:
Nov 28, 2024 at 09:11 PM
Kathy, Daryl, Debbie, Dianne and families I am so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. So many wonderful memories are running though my mind. Heaven has gained a great man! Our deepest condolences. Much love and hugs to all❤️
Teresa Studer:
Nov 29, 2024 at 08:01 AM
What a beautiful tribute to Billy... my deepest condolences to Kathy, Justin & Kayla, Alyssa & Josh and those 3 precious grands (soon to be 4). And to Billy's brother's and sisters, you guys have been such a huge support for Kathy while going through your own loss. I love the stories Kathy has shared about each of you and how special and kind you each have been to her. Kathy hit the Jack Pot when she entered the Swenson Family!
Well actually when she and Billy got married, Billy hit the jack pot. Literally, a couple times, with his fruity slot machine in Vegas as Kathy and I carried his buckets of coins for him.
It was an honor to be part of that union.
Keep all your happy memories close to your hearts!
Love you guys, Teresa
Sherry Jensen:
Nov 29, 2024 at 10:57 AM
Kathy, Daryl, Debbie,Dennis and Diane,
It comes with great sadness to hear of Bill's passing. The tribute to him couldn’t have been worded better. He will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. He was a great neighbour, and friend and will be truly missed. Cherish your memories. With Love The Jensen family
Annette Johnston:
Nov 29, 2024 at 11:29 AM
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to this amazing family. Bill was a great guy with a fantastic sense of humor and love for life ❤️
Tracy Nelson:
Nov 29, 2024 at 11:47 AM
Sending my deepest sympathies to all of Bill's family and friends. He was one of the nicest people I knew and always had that great smile. He will be dearly missed.
Wes Funk & Julie Pura:
Nov 29, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Sending you all love and hugs during this difficult time . Bill will be missed and was an amazing man. Great loss
Bonnie Crocker:
Nov 29, 2024 at 02:20 PM
Sending sincere condolences to your family on hearing of Bill's passing and he truly was a bright light in the world and no matter when you saw him his BIG 😃 and engaging personality warmed one’s ❤️ heart! He was loved by so many and will be truly missed but take comfort in in your memories and know you will meet again🙏 Thinking of you and you all. Bonnie
Lloyd & Linda Fowlie & Family:
Nov 29, 2024 at 06:40 PM
We are very sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He will be so missed by his family & many friends! It was always great to have a visit with Bill & Kathy! Our thoughts are with you....Hugs to you all!
Dan & Lorna Osadczuk:
Nov 29, 2024 at 07:05 PM
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a larger than life character and we have so many good memories of time spent together when we were young. His family and friends are in our hearts and prayers.
Rick and Donna Rinker:
Nov 29, 2024 at 07:07 PM
Dear Swenson Families: We are so very saddened to read of Bill's passing. Rick has many fond memories of Bill from the Bindloss Community. Keep your memories close. Love to you all during this terribly sad time.
- Rick and Donna
Kari Lehr:
Nov 29, 2024 at 07:45 PM
During childhood visits to the farm, I remember "Billy's" sense of humour and mischief, a big smile that shone out of his eyes, and his energetic, confident swagger. As he got older and mellowed, what really shone through in conversation was his kindness and curiosity about all things. He was such a good listener, and never lost his sense of humour. This is such a beautiful tribute to a man who was deeply loved - I'm thinking of you all as you hold close your memories of Bill in the days ahead.
Pat and Larry Constable:
Nov 29, 2024 at 09:01 PM
Ohhh. I’m so so sorry to hear about Bill, it’s a sad time. What a wonderful, happy guy he was. We will always remember his beautiful smile. It would warm anyone's heart. Our deepest sympathy for all the family. Sending hugs
Nancy Paul:
Nov 29, 2024 at 09:09 PM
Kathy, Daryl, Debbie, Dennis, Diane and families, my heart is with you all. Bill's passing will leave a huge gap because he was so much larger than life. He may be blocking the gates to Paradise with bales, but he is more likely chatting with the gate keeper while others carry out such mischief. I really appreciate the tribute posted for him. May great memories comfort you.
Mike & Cheri Shapley:
Nov 29, 2024 at 09:28 PM
So sorry to learn of Bill's passing. He is free again and now getting on with more adventures.
Julie Rogers:
Nov 29, 2024 at 09:34 PM
Dear Kathy and all Bill's family. Our hearts are broken to learn of Bill's passing. He was a great guy and loved by many. A great tribute for a great guy. Thanks Kathy. Julie and Murray Rogers
Pam Haddock:
Nov 29, 2024 at 11:04 PM
To all the Swenson Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I have fond memories of Bill, from our brief time at Hat High to Buffalo/Bindloss dances. He was a great guy!
Lisa Mahura:
Nov 30, 2024 at 12:37 AM
Condolences to you all. RIP Billy.
Trent and Jane Prestie:
Nov 30, 2024 at 09:21 AM
Kathy, Alyssa, Justin and all Bills family, we were so very sorry to hear of Billy’s passing. He lived a special life and will be missed by so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
David and Darlene Worth:
Dec 02, 2024 at 11:45 AM
Kathy and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. You gave such a great tribute to Bill. Our sincere condolences go to you and your family. Bill was such a nice person. I have so many memories of chats and chuckles with Bill in the Moose Hockey arena when the kids were younger. We often solved the world's problems there. I am sure we will all miss Bill.
David And Darlene Worth
Bill Mills:
Dec 02, 2024 at 02:52 PM
REST EASY BILLY. GOD BLESS. CONDOLENCES
Cheryl & Brad Stenger:
Dec 02, 2024 at 09:26 PM
Our deepest condolences to Kathy and the Swenson families
Bill was a kind, fun loving guy who was always up for a good chat and reminisce. We have many memories of great times during high school in medicine hat. May we all remember Bill as a mentor of his endurance and showing people that whatever happens in life, with hard work you can turn it around and make the best of it.
May you now rest Bill.
Brad and Cheryl Stenger
Ivan & Louise Schlaht:
Dec 06, 2024 at 01:24 PM
Dearest Swenson Families,
When we lose a loved one here on earth, they become an angel in Heaven to watch over us. One night when you look up into the darkness, there might be a bright sparkling star winking back to you and comfort can be felt knowing that it is Bill, letting you know he is alright. You can feel a sense of calmness knowing that he is free from pain, reunited with his Mom and Dad and extended family. Bill had a huge presence here on earth with everyone. He was able to fulfill so many of his dreams with Kathi by his side and see his kids grow up and have families of their own. Bill is everyone’s HERO as he put his disability aside and did the things he loved. A GREAT MAN will be missed. HUGS to all his Family! ❤️
Terry Phillips:
Dec 06, 2024 at 01:38 PM
Kathy and family, my deepest sympathies on the loss of Billy. He was a force.