Josef Schwegler
1922 Ñ 2003
Joe passed away on Sept. 1, 2003 at Bulkley Valley Hospital in Smithers.
He was born Nov. 6, 1922 in Willisau, Switzerland. He was one of 12 children raised in a large country home on the family farm, where the Schweglers have farmed for centuries.
Joe attended Agricultural School and later enrolled in the Swiss Army.
In 1950, Joe immigrated to Canada on the “Queen Mary” and then traveled the long trip across Canada to Smithers by train. Soon afterwards, he bought the “Billeter Farm” where he milked Dairy cows. In 1964, he also acquired the adjacent “Canyon Creek Dairy” and lived there until his retirement. Shortly after, he and Arsenia moved into the new house on the “Billeter Farm” and lived there until his passing.
Joe was a great hunter and champion trap shooter. He even made it to the Provincials in Richmond. On Sundays, he attended many Turkey Shoots and always came home with a prize.
He was a farmer because he loved his animals and birds. His pastime was raising pigeons and pheasants and “Hazel” his chocolate lab was always by his side.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Arsenia.
Sons: Peter Schwegler (Susan), Norman Schwegler (Patti), and Joey Schwegler (Deena).
Daughters: Esther Measor (Mike), Irene Ness (Dennis), Susie Boyko (Rory), Lilly Schwegler (Alvin), and Lucy Cormier (Larry).
Grandchildren: Heather, Amanda, Shane, Ashley, Danielle, Jarad, Verena, Eddy, Jennifer, Trevor, Brandon, Amy, Darryl, Duane, and Deanna.
Great-grandchildren: Sean and Megan.
Friend and mother of children, Clara Schwegler.
Predeceased by son Eddy Schwegler in 1985.
Funeral service was held at St. Joseph’s Church Sept. 6, 2003. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetic Society and to Parkinson's research.
“We’ll miss you Ñ Till we meet again.”
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at P.G. and Smithers hospitals and to everyone who expressed their condolences with kind words, flowers, cards and food. A special thank you to the Holensteins for the delicious supper you all prepared for us.