Donald Harold Swift

SWIFT, Donald Harold….

After a brief illness, died peacefully at University Hospital, London, in the early morning hours of Monday, January 28th, 2013, in his 89th year. Don was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, the eldest child of the late Harold and Annie Swift. Beloved husband of the late Helen (Pearson) Swift (2007) and dear father of Linda Callaghan (John), Janice Scott (Douglas) all of London and Douglas Swift (Elizabeth) of Oakville. Much loved Poppa of Timothy Scott (Stephanie), Sarah Scott (Todd Ritchie), Patrick Callaghan (Veronica), Geoffrey Callaghan (Andriana), Matthew Scott, Carey Swift (Kyler Bateman) and Kaitlyn Swift (Brendan Mikkelson). Great Grandpa “Turkey” of Dylan and Adam Scott, Teaghan, Brenna, Taryn and Broden Scott-Richie and Christian Callaghan. Brother of Jack Swift of Newcastle, Marie Pettit of Ingersoll and the late Wilfred Swift and Joanne Swift. A veteran of World War II, Don was a successful entrepreneur, involved over the course of his career in a range of endeavours, especially in the automotive and communications industries. Highlights included ownership of Middlesex Motors in London, as well as the winding road that led to the formation of the present-day Tiger Tel Communications. Various business interests meant the family lived in Ethel, Listowel, Brampton and London, making life-long friends in each community. Don and Helen also had strong ties to the people in England, Holland and Belgium who were so kind to Don during the five and one-half years he spent fighting overseas. Don was an avid golfer and a member of the London Hunt & Country Club (where he chaired the 1970 Canadian Open) and the Prestancia Golf and Country Club in Sarasota, Florida. As well, he enjoyed many, many rounds in Palm Springs, California where he and Helen spent much of the winter months from the early 1960s to the early 1990s. For many years the family spent summers at the cottage in Oakwood Park, Grand Bend and on Don’s favourite toy – his boat named The Swifty Mark IV. The family will receive friends at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, on Wednesday, January 30th, 2013, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where the funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 11:00am Cremation to take place. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses on the 6th Floor at University Hospital for their compassionate care of Don during the last weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers. those wishing to remember Don are asked to consider a donation to My Sister’s Place, 566 Dundas Street, London ON N6B 1W8. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
Don will be forever remembered as a man who “did it my way!”