We Remember
SCHWAIGER, John
October 23, 1936 — June 1, 2026
Our beloved John Schwaiger passed away at the grand age of 89 on June 1, 2026. He came to Canada in 1958 with little more than an ambition for a good life and a great sense of humour. Planting roots in the Okanagan, he worked and raised his family amongst the orchards and the lakes.
The year following his arrival, John met Willie; from that moment, every chapter of their lives was written together. They married, and in ’67 they built something lasting in Winfield, BC: a family, a home, and 66 years of a shared life. John embraced what the valley had to offer and worked as an apple orchardist and a construction worker. John’s passion, however, was soccer; he played for many years on the Kelowna Kickers soccer club. In fact, there were many newspaper articles about the soccer team and some of John’s finer moments on the field! He also went on to coach junior soccer leagues. They both curled at the Winfield Curling Club and were involved in other community clubs and activities together. John’s friendly demeanour was a magnet for the kids and adults alike; he would always know when to crack a joke or tease a friend to lighten a room with laughter. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember him for his LOUD music, eating out of his garden, watching sports with pretzels, and his teasing sense of humour.
John was a loving father to Linda Busch (Dale), Dorothy Jantzen, Cathy Smith (Colin), Sue MacKay, and John Schwaiger Jr (Laurie); a doting grandfather to Jason Williams (Kendal), Mina Aiur, Carl Jantzen (Emi), Avery Graf (Tyler), Chance Smith, Brett Jantzen, Robert Bruce (Chenille), Carly Henseleit (Andrew), Cole Schwaiger, Tianna Almeida; and an adoring great-grandfather to Aniston, Aden, Lennon, Mia, Koya, Cohen, Oakley, Ivy, and Lilah.
Sadly, he was predeceased by his beloved Willie in 2025. He was also predeceased by his mother Katherine and his sister Spatzie, both of whom he loved dearly.
While no formal service will be held, we will all honour John’s life by remembering him, having a bowl of pretzels at our gatherings, and continuing to tease each other.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.


