Claude SWAYZE

DR. CLAUDE SWAYZE Claude Richard Swayze, M.D. of St. Paul, MN, USA and Ontario, Canada died in his sleep August 2, 2023, while vacationing with family in northern Wisconsin. Born August 5, 1936, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, to Allan D. Swayze O.D., and Amelia D. Erwin. The family moved to Niagara Falls, Canada, where they owned a heritage farm consisting of vineyards and orchards and set up an Optometry practice. Upon completing high school in Niagara Falls, Claude attended Knox College and The University of Toronto School of Medicine. He received his M.D. in 1961, was elected to the AOA honor society and completed a year of service as a medical officer in the Canadian army. He applied to the University of Minnesota for Anesthesia residency, completing the program in 1963. He undertook a Ph.D. program on cardiac physiology and while in the lab he co-authored several important research papers. He began full time anesthesia practice at the newly built St. Paul-Ramsey Hospital in 1965 and eventually became Chief of Anesthesia. The hospital, in partnership with the U of M, granted him the title of Assistant Professor. In 1986, he accepted an offer to become Chief of Anesthesia at Hennepin Co. Medical Center. Under his leadership, he expanded the department by forming Anesthesia Associates and eventually had 200 practitioners providing anesthesia services to many regional hospitals. He spearheaded a new research facility, Anesthesiology Research Associates, with funding from local hospitals and was issued medical patents. In 1996, he proudly became an American citizen. In 2000, he stepped down as head of anesthesia but continued to work as a staff anesthesiologist, finally retiring in 2006. Claude is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maryann; his four children, Greg Kim, Hilliard, (Stacy), Anne Marie Major, (John), and Dana Hurley-Swayze, (Jane); and grandchildren, Claude W., Margaret Marie, and Gracee. Also survived by his brother, Dr. A. D. Swayze, (Sandra), of Toronto, Canada. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Wilda Chase/Chapman, (Ralph & Ron). A private visitation is planned in northern Wisconsin followed by interment there. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Doctors Without Borders or your favorite charity. There will be a Celebration of Life, in the Twin Cities, at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Weber-Hill & Packard Funeral Home. 302 S. Lake St., Crandon, WI, 54520, www.weberhillfuneralhome.com.