John Francis Switzer
John Switzer, beloved husband of Hazel; father of sons, Keith(Susan),Bruce, Harold wife Cheryl, Philip wife Dolores, daughters Connie husband Alan Tappenden, Valerie husband Grant Ruske and Edith husband Brian Poltorak, grandfather of 16, great grandfather of 6.
John passed away Monday April 15, at 5:45 AM in Edson. Predeceased by his father Harvey, mother Edith, sisters: Bessie, Helen, Marie, Nancy and Jean; and brothers: Laurie, Dick, Gilbert, Bill, Dan and Jim. Surviving are his sister Flora-Belle of Kamloops and youngest brother Joe of Banff and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends left to mourn.
John, who was the 11th of 14 children born to Harvey and Edith Switzer of Edson; started working at his father’s store, Switzer’s Drug as a young boy. He did this in addition to going to school, milking cows everyday at 5 AM, snow shoeing, skiing and playing hockey. In 1953 John graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and he took his young family of 3 (to become seven) back to Edson to help run Switzer’s Drug. He was the first hospital pharmacist at the St John’s Hospital Edson. In 2003 after 50 years as a professional Pharmacist; John retired and took more time for golf, hockey, his community and his family.
A solid record of hard work, community service, raising a family of 7, honored by both his university and profession, John’s contributions and commitment have helped shape our community and his family.
2012 saw John celebrate his 85th birthday, 65th wedding anniversary, and the 100th year for Switzer’s Drug Store. John was a tremendously strong man and fierce competitor in hockey and track and field. Winning the 100 yard dash, shot put and pole vaulting over 9 feet to land in the sand were all part of track meet in the early 1940’s. Hockey teams in the Edson area sought out, or feared John’s hockey prowess. A great skater, smart and tough – “Moose” could always be counted on to make a real difference and impact – right until John hung up his skates in 2007.
In 1943, the 16 year old John took his father’s lesson; “create your future” and signed on as a gravel truck driver on the Alaska Highway. In 1944 as a pipefitter, John was helping build ships in Victoria. In 1945, John worked the oil patch in Drayton Valley. In 1946, John was a mechanic’s helper in the shop of the Mercoal mine. As a young father of two, he entered the Faculty of Pharmacy and always moving forward, John would continue to build a future – 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and building a business from its 50th years into its 100th year. This future that John built continues.
He will be sadly missed by his entire family and especially by his wife of 66 years, Hazel.
The family would like to express their gratitude to dad’s caregivers, Dr. Willis, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Donkin Dr. Sood, all the staff at the Edson Hospital, the staff at the Parkland Lodge, Dr. P. Venner and staff at the Cross Cancer Institute for their care in Dad’s journey this past 7 months.
A celebration of dad’s life was held on Friday April 19, 2013 1:00PM at Royal Canadian Legion in Edson, Alberta with Rev. Kent Horsman officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest making a donation to the Edson Cultural and Heritage Organization 4818 – 7th Ave., Edson, Alberta, T7E 1K8 or to a charity of your choice in memory of John Francis Switzer.
To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
Edson Funeral Home Ltd. 1-780 – 723-3575 entrusted with all arrangements.
The Foothills Memorial Chapel
“Serving West “Central Alberta for more than 63 years”