1929-2010
On April 22, 2010, with his beloved wife and sons at his side, Ronald Swan was peacefully called to be with the Father. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Edie, his sons Sheldon (Debbie), Robert, and Richard (Sarah), his grandchildren Gabrielle and Jillian (and their mother Barb), Hilary and Ben, and Lyndsay and Scott, his brothers Gary and Dennis, and many much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents, an infant son, Blaine, and his sister-in-law Helen and her husband Perry.
Ron was a thoughtful and gentle soul, with a twinkle in his blue eyes and a playful sense of humour. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ron was born in Winnipeg in 1929, and grew up in West Kildonan and later Norwood, graduating from Norwood Collegiate in 1946. He then served in the air cadets and developed a life-long interest in flying.
Ron met Edie in 1950. They married in 1951 and there was scarcely a day when they were apart thereafter. They were a living example of what it meant to be loving and mutually respectful couple.
Ron followed his father into the automobile service trade and later became a proprietor of his own businesses in the St. Vital area over a great many years. He drew clientele from far and wide with his sterling reputation for honesty and integrity -- earning the nickname “Honest Ron”. Although he worked long hours for many years, he greatly enjoyed his summer vacations with his family, initially camping on road trips, and later at the cottage near Lac du Bonnet with Grandpa Pete, Grandma Frances, and Helen and Perry and their children. Ron also enjoyed tinkering with all things mechanical, including radio-control model airplanes, and devoted many pleasurable hours to his sons’ varied pursuits.
After retiring, Ron spent his new-found extra time with his family (particularly after his grandchildren arrived), volunteering in the community, learning new languages, playing golf, and dabbling in the stock market. He also became interested in tracing his family roots, and was able to meet long-lost relatives from Germany and Sweden. Ron and Edie traveled to the United States and Europe to explore, meet European cousins, and enjoy each other’s company.
Ron was later diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, but remained at home for several years with much independence through Edie’s tireless and loving care and the efforts of his family, friends and dedicated care-givers. He faced his difficult circumstances with quiet calm and as much good spirit as can be imagined. His family would like to thank the staff of the Riverview Health Centre for their compassionate care over Ron’s final months.
Should friends wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, to help find a cure.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 26, at 10 a.m. at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.
May you pass peacefully into the arms of God, where we will see you again.
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