Obituary of Harvey Stephen Schwab
It is with broken hearts we announce the unexpected death of Harvey Stephen Schwab, the pillar of our family, on May 23rd, 2024. What makes our loss more devastating is that we didn't get a chance to say goodbye.
Harvey was born in Scott, SK on December 2, 1939, the third of seven children born to Annie & Michael Schwab (he was predeceased by brothers Ronnie, Michael and Larry, and sisters Agnes and Linda). He knew at a very young age that his aspirations, ambition, and plans for success wouldn't come to fruition while living a farm/small town life, so at the tender age of 16, he set his sights on the big city of Saskatoon and applied to the Saskatoon Fire Department. There, he was told to cool his jets and apply again once he legally became an adult, and after a stint at the Experimental Farm located in Scott, he did just that. For over thirty years, he proudly and honourably served, rescued and saved many citizens as a City of Saskatoon Firefighter.
Harvey truly was a self-made man who worked hard his entire life. Over the years he built countless beautiful, custom homes for his family, his friends, and for clients who became friends. Upon retirement, he transitioned to a very satisfying career in real estate, where he was renowned by his clients for his knowledge, honesty, and integrity - again, leading to many new friendships.
Harvey always led a healthy, fun lifestyle, and we were convinced he would outlive us all. He was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and an unanticipated rapid and relentless progression occurred which robbed him of the happy retirement life he'd been living. Some of the things he enjoyed were his lovely home, beautiful yard, long happy hours, and spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his loving companion, Isobelle. They say the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and Isobelle, you certainly captured his heart. We can’t thank you enough for converting his hotdogs and sausages diet to one of healthy and delicious home-cooked meals. He truly enjoyed his weekly telephone conversations with his only remaining sibling, Marion (Cliff) Nagy - even though she'd hang up on him when certain politicians came up (but, really, who could blame her?). Harvey loved little dogs, a juicy ribeye, anything lemon, gardening with Isobelle, good music, [warm] stiff drinks, the stock market, and a damn good debate. He loathed instruction manuals, loud cars speeding down his street, being wrong, income tax (sorry, Russ, and thank you!) and most of all, the metric system.
Left to navigate life without his wisdom, advice, love, and unwavering support are his daughters, Desiree Southam & Stacey Lodoen; his grandchildren, Claire, Jordan (Kelby), Jay, and Sam, and his great grandchildren, Eliza, Ruby, Nikolas, Cali, Benjamin, Enzo, Maiya, Romello, Anthony, and Easton. He also leaves behind nieces Shelley, Lana and Michelle; nephews Lindsay and Darren; and close cousins Janice, Jean, and Valentine. Special thanks to Dr. Megan Surkan and her team, to neighbours Reg, and Phil, and to all of you who have offered us your sincere condolences and support. You know who you are. Thanks also to the staff of Prairie View Chapel and Saskatoon Funeral Home for your guidance and compassion.
We'd also like to thank, from the bottom of our broken hearts, the staff at Oliver Lodge. You are all angels on earth. Harvey spent only two weeks with you and the care and compassion you provided him, and all of us, will never be forgotten. We're so happy you were able to see snippets of his sense of humour.
A come and go Celebration of his Life will be held sometime in July. Anyone interested in attending can email s_lodoen@hotmail.com or desireek@yahoo.com. Donations in memory of Harvey can be sent to the Saskatoon SPCA or a charity of your choice.