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John Svein (Sweyn) Gartland

December 13, 2014

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John Svein (Sweyn) Gartland

August 31, 1935 ~ December 13, 2014


Sweyn passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.


A true pioneer of the valley, Sweyn was born in Creston B.C. August 31, 1935 to Norwegian immigrants Joannes and Anne Sophie Gartland. He was raised in Canyon B.C. and remained there until his passing. He received his education in the old one room school house in Canyon, later going to high school in Creston.

He married the love of his life Diane Dawson of Canyon, on June 29, 1957. They remained in Canyon where they raised their three children.

His love of the woods stems from deep admiration for his family that pioneered their way through history in the logging industry. Throughout his career he took great pride in every task that came before him. He excelled in all aspects of the industry from falling, to road building and equipment operating.

He enjoyed life to the fullest. His quick wit and sense of humour was enjoyed by all. He cherished time spent with family and friends. His family was his pride and joy.

He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying camping, fishing, wood working, and working at his own small sawmill, etc. He also enjoyed dancing, curling, golfing, bowling, softball and horseshoes, where he won a gold medal in the Senior's Olympics.

As an active community member he donated many hours of his time and was always willing to lend a hand.

Sweyn was predeceased by father Johannes Gartland; mother Anne Sophie Gartland; brothers Sid Gartland and Jim Gartland; sister Anne Forrester; and nephews Allan Moberg and Severin Gartland.


He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his loving wife of 57 years Diane Gartland; sons Tim (Dawn) Gartland and Gerry Gartland; daughter Karen (Alf) Czar; grandchildren Jason Gartland, Dallyn (Torril) Czar, Shelby Czar (Jordan Ryckman), Chelsea Gartland (Neil Crowe), Jesse Gartland (Meghan Onushko), Lexi Czar (Kyle Irwin) and Nikita Gartland; stepgrandchildren Gage and Brett Davidson; great-grandchildren Savanna Gartland, and Owen and Ethan Czar; brother Henry Gartland; sisters Jenny Moberg and Ruby Nygaard, and many nieces and nephews.


A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring of 2015.

Friends wishing to make donations may send them to The Canyon Community Association, Box 24 Canyon, BC V0B 1C0, or website Canyonbc.ca.