Obituary of Charles Swan

Swan, Charles It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles Francis Swan on September 27, 2007 at the age of 92 years. Charlie leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Mayme Herman-Swan his sons: Chris (Alice) and Jim (Terry), five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; step-children: George (Rose), Nyna (Ernest), Derrill (Liia), Ted, Nita (Al), Peter (Marg), Lanny (Neil) and Kerri: numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren; one sister Kathleen Wyatt, one brother-in-law Frank Totino and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Charlie was predeceased by his loving wife Gladys (1985), his parents, and sisters Marie and Eileen. Charlie grew up and farmed north of Lloydminster, Alberta in the Jumbo Hill District. He served overseas during WWII achieving the rank of major. He served with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Algonquin Regiment of North Bay Ontario. He remained an active legion member throughout his life. He retired briefly to Vermilion. Upon his marriage to Mayme Herman he moved to Innisfail where he lived until his death. A funeral service was held on October 2, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. in Marwayne, Alberta followed by interment in the Marwayne Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Marwayne Cemetery Association or to a charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements were handled by McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., Lloydminster, Alberta. Eulogy Charlie was born at Leighton, Alberta at home to Jack and Wilhelmina Swan on June 17, 1915. He went to school at Jumbo Hill for nine years, and to Streamstown for grade ten. Charlie stayed home a year and then Uncle Frank Swan got him into St. Joseph’s High School in Edmonton for grade eleven. The depression was at its worst and Charlie had to stay home another year before attending Garneau High School for grade twelve where he passed with honors. He then joined the R.C.M.P. and trained in Regina, graduated and was posted to Swift Current. Then he was sent to Rockcliffe in Ottawa to train with the equestrian team. He suffered a nerve injury in his leg and was awarded a discharge for medical reasons. He returned to the farm in May of 1939 to convalesce. That fall, while working on a threshing crew, WWII was declared and all R.C.M.P. with honourable discharges were recalled. He went to Edmonton and reported to Ottawa by letter and while waiting for his recall became impatient and went to the Prince of Wales Armouries and enlisted with the 49th Edmonton Regiment. In November he was sent to England with the Advance Party of the First Division. The rest of the Regiment followed in December by which time Charlie held the rank of Sergeant. He spent the next three years training and attending Officer’s Training School and was awarded the rank of Lieutenant. He met Gladys Robertson of London at friends in Oxted, Surrey and they were married in the church at Oxted in February 1941. His regiment was sent out with the 8th Army for the invasion of Sicily, and the campaign in Italy. He was now a Captain and the regiment was renamed The Loyal Edmonton Regiment as a result of being in battle. While he was away, his son Christopher was born in London in November 1943. He was recalled from Ortona, Italy and sent back to North Bay, Ontario to help train a new regiment for the invasion of Europe, The Algonquin Regiment of Ontario. He served with this regiment with the rank of Major until the end of the war. The regiment campaigned in Northern Europe and was involved in the liberation of Holland. He returned home to Canada in the fall of 1945 and Gladys and Christopher followed in the spring of 1946. At this time they decided to take over the family farm. A second son, Jim, was born in August 1947. The boys grew up on the farm doing chores and in later years farm work. A fond memory of the boys is the Wyatt and Totino cousins coming for visits during holidays. In the fall of 1948 due to a shortage of teachers Charlie was a teacher supervisor at Jumbo Hill School and taught Chris grade one. He was always active in the Legion serving as the president of the Marwayne Branch and also Zone Commander for a three-year term. Charlie and Gladys attended many annual regimental reunions and picnics and enjoyed several trips to England and Northern Europe. There is photographic evidence that Charlie was an aspiring hockey player playing in a community league in the Alcurve District. They played in various Old-Timer tournaments and pick up games in area hockey rinks. He was also active in the political scene, an active member of the Liberal Association for many years, running as a Federal Liberal candidate in the 1960's. Around this time, Charlie was the Leader of the Marwayne Boy Scout troop of which son Jim was a member. He served as a member of the Lloydminster Hospital Board during the 1970's. Charlie was involved in a local theatrical production. The group practiced at the Alcurve Hall and the first performance was held there. Afterwards they travelled to several area halls for other performances. Jim decided to join his father farming and they farmed together for ten years from 1969 to 1979. In 1981 Charlie and Gladys made the decision to retire from farming but continued to live on the farm for several more years. Due to Gladys’ declining health they decided to build and move to a new house directly behind Chris and Alice in Vermilion. Gladys didn’t have much time in her new house as she passed away after heart surgery in the summer of 1985. Later that year Charlie reconnected with Mayme Herman and in September of 1986 they were married in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan. They then bought a house and settled in Innisfail. They were happily married for 21 years and during that time they travelled extensively including trips to Europe revisiting Charlie’s wartime memories. They made many trips back to the Lloydminster, Marwayne and Vermilion area visiting friends, family and grandchildren. Charlie took art classes and had great enjoyment developing his oil painting skills. In 1999 Charlie suffered a stroke that made it difficult for him to continue to do many of the things he loved. He continued to enjoy reminiscing about his early life and memories. He peacefully left us on the evening of September 27, 2007. Card Of Thanks The family of Charles Swan would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Rosefield Center in Innisfail, Alberta for the loving care given to Charlie this past year. We would like to extend our gratitude to Reverend Bob Aldrich for conducting such a meaningful service, to Yvette Barnett for her beautiful singing and Joanne Horton for her musical accompaniment. Special thanks to Frank Totino for the eulogy celebrating Charlie’s life. Thank you to the pallbearers: Bill Wyatt, John Wyatt, Mark Totino, Bruce Campbell, Bob Campbell and Dennis Gibbs, Charlie’s nephews and long time friends. Special thanks to the Legion Honor Guard who honored Charlie with such a meaningful Legion farewell. Thank you to George Herman who shared anecdotes of Charlie with his step family. To granddaughter Erinn Gallagher for her moving tribute to her grandfather, thank you. Thank you to Sheldon Gallagher and great-granddaughter Makenna Gallagher for their musical rendition of “Time Of Your Life”. Thank you to all the friends and relatives for your many kindnesses. Your flowers, cards, prayers and donations in Charlie’s name are so appreciated. Chris Swan and family Jim Swan and family Donations in memory of Charlie may be made to the Marwayne Cemetery Fund, the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.