Edmonton’s last milkman makes his final run

EDMONTON – It’s the end of an era for a long-standing tradition in Edmonton, as our city’s last milkman finished his final run on Friday.

In Edmonton, milk delivery can be traced back to earlier than 1906. And Barry Svederus was the last of about 200 milkmen who were making home deliveries when he started his job 34 years ago.

“It’s been a good job. I’ve always loved the job,” he said. “You know, it’s peaceful out, when you’re working at night like this, you don’t have to worry about traffic…you have nobody to answer to. All you’ve gotta worry about is ‘don’t give anybody leaking milk.'”

While he wasn’t actually able to drink the product he delivered since he’s lactose intolerant, his pride in his work was always evident in the fact that during his three decades on the job, Svederus had never missed a day of work.

He said that while he won’t miss the early wakeup call, he will miss his 400 plus loyal customers, some of whom he’s developed friendships with over the years.

One of those customers, Deb Shaw whose family has been having milk delivered since the days of the horse and buggy, said it’ll be an adjustment having to buy milk from a store now.

“It’s sad…because it’s always nice to have fresh milk, and have a special friend to come.”

Others also woke up at the crack of dawn to say their goodbyes to their milkman, many of them also giving him bottles of wine as parting gifts.

Svederus won’t be retiring any time soon, though. Instead, he’s about to embark on a new career as a school custodian.

Below is an interesting look back at the history of milk delivery in Edmonton (courtesy of Bob Snyder)

Dairies of Edmonton
 

With files from Laurel Clark, Global News