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Sweder, Richard

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 Richard George Sweder, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at his home and into the presence of the Lord with his wife, Joyce and precious friend, Virginia Birss at his side.

 Richard George Sweder, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at his home and into the presence of the Lord with his wife, Joyce and precious friend, Virginia Birss at his side.

 He is survived by his wife, Joyce Sweder, and his siblings, Carolyn Pillai, Tom Sweder, and Mary Kallio.

 Richard was predeceased by his mother and father that he loved so much.

 We want to give a special thank you to all the medical staff at St. Michael's Health Center, Coaldale Health Center, Chinook Regional Hospital and especially, the doctors who attended Richard at the hospital.

 His wife is so grateful for all the incredible supportive friends from Joyful House of Prayer and other friends and neighbours who truly helped in many ways throughout this difficult Spring and Summer.

 Richard was born in Owosso, Michigan. As a young man he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served 4 years during the Vietnam War. While in the Navy, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. The Navy Chaplain was very influential in his life and encouraged him to attend Shiloh Bible Institute. Richard became one of the Bible School teachers.

 His wife-to-be, Joyce, was attending the school and eventually realized they were meant for each other and married at the Bible School in June, 1979. Afterwards, they moved to Spokane, WA. and then two years later, immigrated to Canada where Richard attended N.A.I.T. and earned a degree as a medical laboratory technologist. After graduating in 1983, they moved to Bentley, Alberta for one year and then moved to Fraser Lake, British Columbia, where Richard was employed for 24 years in a busy lab as the head lab technician. During this time, they pastored a small church in Fraser Lake for 11 years. In 2010, they moved to Coaldale, Alberta as they wanted to be part of a Messianic congregation.

 Richard was loved by many. And people were drawn to him because of his gentle and quiet personality. Even in times when he was criticized for his views, he had a sweet way of responding to people.

 He was a wonderful husband and will be immensely missed. Joyce was extremely blessed to be his caregiver for the last years of his life, even to the end. He was happiest in his home and needed that one-on-one care.

 Funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825-32nd St. S., Lethbridge, Alberta, on Monday, October 4th, 2021. Visitation will start at 11:00 am, and funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon with Rabbi Sidney Speakman officiating. Interment to follow at Coaldale Community Cemetery. Funeral service will be live-streamed via Richards obituary, www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

 In lieu of flowers, donations by cheques can be made to "A Future and a Hope" in Israel, or "Servants Anonymous" to Joyful House of Prayer, P.O. Box 21004; W. Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 6X4. Please include your name and the ministry you wish to donate to. Richard wanted to bless Israel and particularly loved these ministries.