Wesley Sawatsky

Wesley Sawatsky, 90, of Altona, passed away on Monday, November 11 at the Boundary Trails Health Centre. He is survived by his wife, Ella (Penner), sister Irene (Young), daughter Leslie (Merlin), sons David (Ruth) and Jonathan (Cheryl), grandchildren Ariel (Kevin), Amelia (Charlie), Alba (Van), Jordan (Sydney), Caleb (Jess - Jasmine & Joshua), Mia and Kate, and one great-granddaughter, Sloane. He is pre-deceased by his daughter, Kathy (Wes), his brother Ken, and a baby sister, Victoria.

Wes grew up on a farm south of Altona and went to school in Gnadenfeld and Altona. He met the love of his life, Ella Penner, while going to vocational school in Altona – he took Agriculture and she took Home Economics. They were married on July 17, 1955 at the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church and were blessed with four children – two daughters came first, Leslie and Kathy, followed by two sons, David and Jonathan.

Wes farmed with his brother and father, and later started a Massey Ferguson farm implements dealership together with them. After selling that, he and Ella bought a Macleod’s hardware store franchise in Altona that he operated successfully for 15 years, becoming a pillar in the business community. Looking for a new challenge, he then embarked on a career as the business administrator at Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, serving in that role for 11 years and finding great personal reward in doing so. He finished his working years as a consultant, implementing financial and fundraising software for various non-profit organizations.

Wes believed in giving back to the community and served on many church and church conference committees, and he and Ella were two of the founders of Seeds of Life Church. He also served on several community groups, including the Altona Chamber of Commerce, Altona Hospital board, the Gardens on Tenth board, and the inaugural Altona Centennial Park board. He was also involved politically, assisting with the campaigns of local candidates and advocating for peace and against military proliferation with his MP and parliamentary committees.

Wes and Ella enjoyed travelling and visited many countries in Europe, as well as South America and Asia. They were married 69 years.

Wes will be missed by his family and the many people who knew him through his business, community, and church connections. He will be remembered most as a positive force who loved God and who encouraged and supported his family above all.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 1:00 pm at Seeds of Life Church, Altona.

Cremation has taken place and a private ash interment will be held at the Altona Cemetery.  

A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 1:00 pm at Seeds of Life Church, Altona.

Donations in memory of Wes may be made to The Community Exchange, Altona.