1932-2008
Born November 5, 1932 in Crutwell, Saskatchewan, Bill passed away peacefully in Victoria, B.C. on September 24,2008. Predeceased by his wife of 24 years, Irene, in 1978; his parents Freda and Bill Swain; twin brother Bob; younger brother Levi; and daughter-in-law, Patsy. Dad will be forever missed by his eight children, Sue (Russ), Fred (Leighan), Wes (Jen), Patricia (Bob), Donna (Ted), Frances, Bill (Shelley) and Lee, his 25 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his four sisters, Dorothy, Winnie (Tom), Freda and Dee. Bill will be sadly missed by his long time companion and best friend, Dorothy Stevens and her family.
Bill grew up in Crutwell with his 6 brothers and sisters. In the early 1950s Dad and his twin brother joined the RCAF and were stationed in Trenton and Manitoba. Bill married his dear love, Irene, on January 23, 1954.
After leaving the Air Force,Dad followed in his father’s footsteps and worked on the CN Railway until 1966, when he moved his family to Vancouver Island. The following year his 8th child, Lee, was born in Duncan. Our family settled in Lake Cowichan in 1969, and Dad remained there for over 30 years. For many years Mom and Dad were involved with the Sons of Norway, and the Legion. Dad dedicated many years to Minor Sports in Lake Cowichan, hockey and baseball while his 4 sons grew and played. Dad raised us from 1978 on his own, after we lost Mom... he always said “some people chose to have material things... I chose to have my family”. His passions always were hunting with his boys, and also camping and travelling with Dorothy. Above all, he was passionate about his family and enjoyed every family gathering. Our Dad was a strong man with strong convictions, and he had a love for his family second to none. He taught us all that “when you have family, you have everything”. You fought the hard fight Dad, and so deserve the peace and rest you now have. The family you have always been so proud of, is so proud of you, too! We find peace in our hearts, knowing that after 30 years, our Mom and Dad are together again.
Special thanks to the nurses on Royal 3 for the exceptional care Dad received at RJH, and to Dr. Dewar, thank you.
Services will be held at Sands Funeral Home, Duncan, BC on Wednesday, October 1st at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the Scotiabank in Duncan to the Cody Classic – benefitting Kids with Cancer in the Cowichan Valley, this fundraiser was near and dear to Dad’s heart.