Obituary of Murray Melvin Sawa

SAWA " It is with profound sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Murray Pops? Sawa of Regina on Friday, June 8, 2007 at 87 years of age. Murray was predeceased by his loving and kind wife, Barbara in 1989; his parents, Stella and Michael; sisters, Elsie Barrie, Ollie Ireland, Jean Zeck; and brother, Ray. Murray is survived and will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by daughters, Dianne Stewart and Margie Gottinger; and sons, Rick (Janis), Randy, Ron, and Dave; as well as eleven grandchildren: Chris, Dan, and Mike Stewart; Timothy and Benjamin Sawa; Megan and Matt Sawa; and Shane, Leah, Brad, and Nick Gottinger; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving Murray are sisters, Eleanor (John) Galon, Josephine Nook; brother, Syl (Arlene); sister-in-law, Joie Miller; and his faithful canine companion, Gyppy. After Murray, a champion boxer in the armed forces, served in the RCAF during WWII, he settled in Regina to raise a family and begin a career with the Saskatchewan Provincial Government. Murray was very active in the Regina sporting community for 50 years as a boxing trainer and then later as a co-founder of Regina Minor Football. Murray, perhaps, is best known and loved for his dedication to the youth of Regina as a mentor and coach. Pops? volunteered to teach boxing at the Paul Dojack Centre and worked so well with young people he was hired on a casual basis. He similarly worked at Ranch Ehrlo. Deepest thanks are offered to the staff at Wascana Rehabilitation Veterans Ward for their wonderful care and kindness. Also, a big thanks to the staff on 6F at the Regina General Hospital. Thank you especially to daughter, Margie and son, Ron for years of dedication to Dads healthcare and well-being and for making life without Mom bearable. A Mass and Celebration will be held on Friday, June 15th at 4:00 p.m. at St. Peters R. C. Church, 100 Argyle Street, Regina. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends so wishing may make donations, in memoriam, to Regina Minor Football, Box 932, Regina, SK S4P 3B1. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com