Obituary of Robert "Neil" Schwitek

SCHWITEK: Robert "Neil" Schwitek passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2010 after a brief battle with cancer. Neil was born on January 10, 1945 in Eriksdale, Manitoba. He spent his childhood with his parents George and Dorothy (Mattern) Schwitek, and two brothers and three sisters on the farm in Ashern, Manitoba. He received his education at Woolsery School. At age 16, Neil decided to leave home and moved to Winnipeg where he worked at various jobs. In 1973, he began his career at Manitoba Hydro in Brandon. Neil retired in 2000. He spent the first five years relaxing, watching sports and spending time with the guys at the Brandon Club and playing cribbage. Neil decided to take on a part time job at Mr. Bee's Inn until June 2010. It was a job he thrived at. Neil was a private man, listening and watching more than he spoke, but he had strong opinions and was not afraid to voice them. He loved playing sports and in the later years enjoyed watching them on TV. During his younger years, he played ball, shuffleboard and curled with the Riverview off ice and mixed league for many years. He also enjoyed a game of golf at Sunnyside. Neil was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 where he volunteered as Bingo Chair for many years. Neil is survived by his loving wife Marlyn of 30 years, his stepson Tracy (Chris) of Calgary, his stepdaughter Jackie (Doug) of Winnipeg and Tina (Leo) of Edmonton and eight step grandchildren. Also surviving are two sons Sheldon and Jason, one daughter Tracey and their families, three sisters Pat (Gilbert), Marilyn (Terry), Kathy (Steven) and one brother Grant (Shelley) and their families; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Neil was predeceased by his father George (1974), mother Dorothy (2006), brother Ronnie (2003), his mother and father in law Esther (1989) and Henry (2000) and step niece Cindy Wiebe (2009). In keeping with Neil's wishes, cremation has taken place and a meet and greet will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #3, 560-13th St. East, on Saturday, December 4th between 1pm and 3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Neil may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, "Manitoba Cancer Care Project", 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.