Vernon community and business leader passes away

A highly respected member of the Vernon business community has passed away.

Mike Kowaluk died in Vernon Jubilee Hospital Sunday morning (Feb. 7).

Kowaluk was the long-time owner (over 60 years) of Swan Lake Nurseryland, the landmark garden and nursery business on the highway north of Vernon.

Kowaluk was also very active in the community, serving as president of the Vernon and District Chamber of Commerce in 1981-82, and with Vernon Winter Carnival as chairman in 1974, to name just a few volunteer roles.

“Dad may have been small in stature but he will leave a big hole in our lives and in the community,” said Kowaluk’s son, Kirk Hughes, who manages Swan Lake Nurseryland. “He had an incredible sense of community and gave a lot back.  Something he instilled in me is the importance of building relationships in all aspects of life, be it business or personal. Because of the relationships he fostered, he had a reputation of trust, respect and integrity in the community, with our customers and in the industry. I try very hard to emulate those values.”

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Kowaluk, who was 88, was also a former director for Area B (BX-Swan Lake) on the Regional District of North Okanagan board.

As an example of the pride he had in the community, Kowaluk provided his own funding for boulevard maintenance a few years ago along Highway 97 to keep it looking good, when governments would no longer fund that maintenance.

Swan Lake Nurseryland (submitted photo)

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to Kowaluk for both his business and community legacy.

“There is no question that Mr. Kowaluk was a significant leader in the local business community as he mentored entrepreneurs and served a term as president of the Chamber in 1981/82. In 2017, the Chamber was proud to recognize Swan Lake Nurseryland as Business of the Year. Beyond his business, Mr. Kowaluk leaves a strong legacy of supporting local charities and community initiatives. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” the chamber told Vernon Matters in a statement.

Former Vernon mayor, and current city councillor, Akbal Mund, paid tribute to Mr. Kowaluk by saying “another gentleman in our business community has been lost.”

John Topping, a Coldstream resident who is a former president and founder of Funtastic, was good friends with Kowaluk, meeting with him and other friends every Sunday for breakfast until Covid-19 began.

“He was very giving. Through our fundraising, he was always there. We had barbeques, book sales everything to do with Swan Lake. And with Funtastic he was a great supporter, always wanting to know what he could do. And he was well known with his work with Winter Carnival as well,” Topping told Vernon Matters.

Topping called it a very difficult day for Kowaluk’s many friends.

“We used to call it Super Sunday for Super Bowl; well it’s no longer super,” said a saddened Topping.

Kowaluk is survived by his wife Joyce and his son Kirk Hughes (daughter-in-law Vicki) and two granddaughters.

Vernon Matters/Beach Radio/CJIB, which has had a long association with Kowaluk and his business, pass along our most sincerest condolences to the family.