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With great sadness we announce the passing of Eileen Swanson on October 30, 2015.

Eileen was born in Morris, Manitoba on December 5, 1947 and went to school and grew up in Emerson, Manitoba. She was the oldest of eight children born to Riichi and Emiko (Nishibata) Koizumi. She married Gerald Swanson on December 9, 1967 and moved to Hallock, Minnesota until October of 1987 when they moved to Campbell River.

Her greatest loves were her family, her career with Dr. McAllen, and later with Dr. Rutz, and curling. She was always involved in planning and promoting the game and she curled for 58 consecutive years. Eileen competed against National and State champions while living in Minnesota. Her love of the game took her to a State Championship (Minnesota) and she went on to place 2nd in the U.S. Nationals. She was always willing to have new curlers on her team, and taught them the love and encouraged the passion she had for the game. She fulfilled a lifelong dream and travelled to Perth, Scotland to curl. She also traveled to Germany to watch her niece Emiko compete in a World Dance Competition. Eileen and Gerald joined Ernie, Renee, Emiko and Kobe on a trip to Hawaii in 2009.

She was predeceased by her maternal and paternal grandparents, her mother-in-law and father-in-law Arnold and Effie Swanson, her father Riichi Koizumi, Nov. 20th, 2014 and her Aunt Reiko (Nishibata) Koizumi, August 20th, 2013.

Left to mourn her passing is her husband Gerald of 48 years; her mother Emiko Koizumi; seven siblings: Marvin (Sharon) Koizumi, Karen (Wayne) Eagleston, Tom (Dorothy) Koizumi, Doug Koizumi, Art Koizumi, Ernie (Renee) Koizumi, Ken (Kari) Koizumi and her brother-in-law Roger (Fran) Swanson; eleven nieces and nephews: Ryan Swanson, Melanie (Jeff) Hale, Ryan Eagleston, Eric (Kate) Eagleston, James Koizumi, Kelly Koizumi and her fiancé Rob Mascarin, Blair (Crystal) Koizumi, Derek Koizumi and Tara Marshall, Jordon Koizumi, Madison Erner, Emiko Marie Koizumi, and Kobe Koizumi; seven great-nieces and nephews: Megan (Cody) Campbell, Diana Hale, Sara Hale, Lydia Hale, Even Koizumi, Raiden Koizumi, Leah Eagleston. As well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousin, godson Christopher Bilinski and goddaughter Deanna Swendseid.

While living in Hallock, Eileen was very active in the community. She enjoyed riding her 400 Honda motorcycle, taught ballroom dancing, was a League & City Champion in 10 pin bowling and a lifetime member of the WIBC (Women’s International Bowling Congress). She was also a very active member of the Curling Club. She taught lessons in Chinese cooking, and put on a Chinese Food Fundraiser for the Hallock Curling Club. Besides farming, Eileen and Gerald ran a two acre market garden. She helped Gerald on the farm and was very proficient in operating all types of farm equipment.

Eileen and Gerald moved to Campbell River in 1987. She helped out with the family business, Lucky Louie Boat Rentals. She did catering for the Shrine Club as well as took on many other catering events.

For several years she was the convenor for the “Sunday Hangover League” at the Campbell River Curling Club. She was a great organizer and delegator, getting her team involved. They affectionately would say “Yes Eileen”. She enjoyed all aspects of curling and made new curlers feel welcome. Through her years of curling and the love of the sport she touched the hearts of many. She enjoyed spending time playing cards. She organized many friendly family card games with young and old alike and she also enjoyed playing cards with her many friends at the Senior's Centre and Ironwood Place until her final days.

She loved her family and her friends. She considered many of her friends as “family.” If you so desire, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We would like to thank Doctor Marsh, Doctor Prinslow and Doctor Ksienski and their staff for their care and expertise. Also special thanks to Tammy, Faith, and Rebeca at the Cancer Care in the Campbell River Hospital as well as the nurses at the hospital and the Home Care nurses and staff that came to the house. Your compassion and kindness were much appreciated.


A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Masonic Hall, 2905 Island Hwy, 3:00pm.



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