Erwin Sakwi, 76, of Seven Sisters Falls, passed away peacefully on Oct 9, 2014 at Pinawa Hospital.
He was born November 2, 1937 in Poland and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948, settling in Green Bay, Manitoba. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elsie (Redlick) whom he married on June 30, 1962; three children Glenda (Rick) Foster of Onoway, Alberta, Martin of Post Falls, Idaho and Christine of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Included were his pride of six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Erwin settled in Winnipeg and worked for the railway 33 years retiring in 1997 at age 60. In the year 2000, he and Elsie moved to Seven Sisters Falls where they built a house and enjoyed the remaining years of his retirement. He was a hard worker and always placed family values first. His church, community, children and grandchildren were primary relationships throughout his life. He served the Lord Jesus Christ faithfully and shared his faith with those around him. Erwin was known to be meticulous with his beautiful lawn and trees and helped out many with his electrical trade skills.
Erwin had lived with a heart condition most of his life, but was recently diagnosed with lung cancer due to asbestos, which stemmed from work-related conditions. He remained strong in spirit even while declining in physical strength. He willingly accepted this last stage of his earthly journey wanting no one to worry about him as he was secure in his destiny to go home to be with his Lord.
Our family would like to thank all who have supported and prayed for Erwin. Your love has been felt and lifted us throughout this journey. Special thanks to Whiteshell Baptist Church for many hugs and words of encouragement, and for ministry that touched Erwin deeply. Thanks to Doctor Papetti and Dr. Bruneau for your medical care. You were more than doctors. You treated Erwin like a part of your own family. Also thanks to the staff at Pinawa hospital for attending to and keeping Erwin comfortable during his treatments and final hospital stay.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in Whiteshell Baptist Church, Seven Sister Falls with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Whiteshell Baptist Church Cemetery. Refreshments at the church will be provided after interment.
In lieu of flower’s, donations may be made to: Whiteshell Baptist Church at Box 100, Seven Sister Falls, MB ROE 1Y0 or Camp Nutimik at 5 Amelia Cres, Winnipeg, MB R2K 3X8.
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Dianna (nee Litke) & Serge Gauthier
We are sorry to hear the sad news that Erwin has passed away. We wish to express our condolences. Erwin lived across the road from us in Green Bay and I always remember Erwin with a beautiful smile on his face.
John & Darlene Mitton
Our prayers continue to go with you Elsie and family. How we will miss Erwin’s beautiful smile and heart-felt singing of God’s truths. May God continue to be your strength.
Frank& Mary Goertzen
We wish to express our condolences.
We are rejoicing for we know without a doubt that he is where the streets are paved with gold. Having tasted heaven he would not even think of coming back. We will see him soon. !!!
Pastor Greg Gaensler
I will always remember Erwin’s godly caring nature toward my family. He always made an effort to greet my girls and love them as his own grandchildren. He made life in Seven Sisters Falls a real joy, especially when I heard him whistling across the field. I’ll never forget Erwin and Elsie’s beautiful singing to the LORD Jesus. Now he is singing to Him face to face. Until we meet again. Comfort to all his loved ones!
John and DIane Neufeld
We will miss Erwin and his love of God, music and his Bass guitar. I’ll be looking for you in Heaven, Erwin, sitting at Jesus feet. Keeping you Elsie in our prayers. Love John & Diane
Edie Galbraith
So sad to hear about Erwin. We will all miss him. Such fond memories we have of him from McDermott Church – he would give little Cameron and Kevin a quarter each time he saw them. He had a beautiful countenance about him. My prayers are with you Elsie and family.
Phil,Margaret and Rebecca Blake
No more pain and suffering! How glorius it must be to be with our Lord and Savior. Erwin touched many with his out going personality. Phil told me just tonight how welcomed he felt in church when Erwin would come to Phil and talked to him. Our prayers are with you as you no longer have Erwin by your side Elsie. Just know you are never alone. God is always with you. We love you. God be with you and your family in this time of need.
Joy Foster Trieglaff
We love you all very much and though the miles separate us, we enjoyed the few times we were able to interact with Erwin. Please know you are in our prayers.
Erna (Daudrich) Wiens
As I reflect back to earlier times, when the Sackwie family lived on Sherburn Street in Winnipeg, I so enjoyed looking after the young children. I remember the Sackwie family as such a loving kind family. You will certainly miss Erwin, as husband, father and grandfather. I pray that God comfort you now on your loss but we know God has called Erwin to his everlasting home.
Jackie & Alfred Jakob
Our prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.
Friends of Hilda & Paul
Margaret (nee Litke) & Neil Johnson
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Erwin. We wish to express our condolences to Elsie & the family.
Erwin lived across the road from the Litke farm. I remember seeing you and Erwin at the Gospel Music Festivals now he’s singing in heaven.
Frances, Audrey,Adam ,Lesley and families
Heartfelt condolences to Elsie and family during this difficult time. We are blessed to have known Irwin and Elsie and are very sad to hear of Irwins passing. Irwin was a great friend to our father Roman and we are so very thankful that a true friendship grew between them in such a short time. Irwins support and prayer after my fathers life saving surgery last October 2013 until my fathers passing 3 months later comforted dad like no other and memories of the two of them always bring on a smile.
Melvin & Elaine Edel (nee Rempel)
Dear Elsie & family,
Melvin & I loved your singing and we have great memories of the times we met at Meadowood Manor for evenings of music & visiting.
I (Elaine)grew up in River Hills so we went to the same church and school as Erwin. I have fond memories of those years as well.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Melvin & Elaine
Marissa (Novak) Thornton
When I think back over my encounters with Mr. Sakwi, I automatically smile. I know that he and my dad were friends and hung out quite a bit in youth group and got into a little bit of trouble being the rascals they were. I love how Mr. Sakwi loved to laugh, he loved to joke, he lit up a room every time I saw him. I had the recent opportunity to visit with him a little while ago while he was working out at Nutimik camp and I was there for a scrapbooking weekend. He knew me as soon as he saw me and of course had a big hug and huge smile. We visited, reminisced, and he told me stories of the old days. Again, I left smiling thinking of our visit. Although I didn’t see him that often, he did have an effect on me and others in my family, and I know he was very special to my parents and we will hold his memory near and dear to our hearts.