December 23, 1934 – March 13, 2025

Paul, beloved husband of Sally for 68 God-given years, went peacefully into his heavenly home. He was 90 years old, and even with dementia since 2023, he was looking forward to the joys of heaven.

He was predeceased by his parents, Agnes and Andrew; his brothers, Dick and Al; and his sister, Laura Paulson. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sally; his children: Daniel (Juli) of Inwood, Manitoba; Eric (Colleen) of Roanoke, Texas; Philip of Osoyoos, BC; and Michael (Jewal) of Ponoka, Alberta.

He is also survived by three sisters: Margaret Johnson of Spring Valley, CA; Marilyn Leitsheim of El Cajon, CA; and Grace Swedberg of Minneapolis, MN; as well as sister- and brother-in-law, Lois and Dick Koskovick of Sun Lakes, AZ.

Paul was a proud grandfather to: Jennifer (Tyler) of Calgary, AB; Jordan (Chelsey) of Abbotsford, BC; Alisa Swedberg of Winnipeg, MB; Nathan (Moriah) of Roanoke, TX; Ryan (Lexi) of Atlanta, GA; and Sarah Swedberg of Kingston, ON. He was blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Kingsley and North Finney, Olive, Estelle, and Charlie Swedberg, and Eden and Lily Swedberg.

Paul was raised in a Christ-centered Swedish-American family with six siblings. He felt God’s call to ministry during his college years, earning degrees from Luther College in Regina, SK; the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK; and Lutheran Theological Seminary, also in Saskatoon. He also spent a year attending the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

During his seminary training, he met and married Sally Jane Swenson in 1956. Their marriage was a partnership built on love, shared faith in Jesus, and a lifelong commitment to serving Him. With the birth of four sons, God completed their family.

Throughout his lifetime, Paul served churches in Camrose, Alberta; Inglis and Russell, Manitoba; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Ponoka and Wainwright, Alberta; and later part-time after retirement in Oliver and Kelowna, BC.

The highlight of the Swedberg family’s life was their time as missionaries in Liberia, West Africa, from 1966 to 1974. Paul was a pastor-trainer for Liberian evangelists, traveling by foot or plane to 21 remote villages in the jungle. He also served as Chaplain at the Liberian Training Institute.

Because of their unique Liberian experience, the family was able to travel through Europe, including Italy, Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland. Later, in the 1990s, Paul and Sally traveled to Haiti to visit family.

Paul’s interests and hobbies included reading, camping, canoeing, fishing, big game hunting, mountain hiking, and simply going for walks. He will be remembered most for his deep faith in Jesus, loving pastoral care, faithful letter-writing to family and friends, and his loyal, lasting friendships. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Osoyoos, B.C.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to Canadian Lutheran World Relief or the World Mission Prayer League.

“Well done, good and faithful servant…
enter into the joy of the Lord.”
— Matthew 25:21

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com