Roy SWANSON

1933 - 2023

ROY SWANSON, Ph.D. December 1, 1933 - March 22, 2023 Peacefully, in his 90th year, on Wednesday afternoon, March 22, 2023. Roy is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn (nee Horner) of 66 years; his children, Eric (Cindy), Carol (the late Phil), Sonia (Gil), Steven (Anna), and Paul (Victoria); his grandchildren, Lauren (Craig), Holly, Magnus, Myles, Stephanie, Adèle, Rhéanna, and Lauriève; and his great-granddaughter, Everleigh. Roy was predeceased by his parents Astrid (Edgren) and Oscar, and his sisters Lois (Thibodeau) and Beverly (Dalton). Roy was born in Dryden, Ontario. As a young man, he attended Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and graduated valedictorian. Becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets instilled a lifelong love of aviation. Roy trained as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After a few years of courting, Roy married Kathryn Horner on August 31, 1956, a relationship that lasted 70 years. Roy and Kathy moved to England to pursue his post graduate studies. Roy went on to graduate with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto, class of 1963. Roy's career in aerospace engineering included working at de Havilland, Spar Aerospace, Colt Industries and Canadair where he was heavily involved with the design and production of the Challenger aircraft series. During his career, Roy and Kathy lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mississauga, Ontario, where they raised their five children: three sons, Eric, Steven and Paul and twin daughters, Carol and Sonia. Roy and Kathy traveled extensively, particularly during the years Roy was a member of the National Defense Council. Eventually they visited a total of 101 countries and 7 continents. Once retired, Roy gave lectures on astronomy aboard cruise ships. Roy was also active with the University of Toronto Aeronautical Society and gave lectures. Roy and Kathy loved tennis and volunteered for decades at the annual Rogers Cup in Toronto. Roy earned ACTRA credentials and achieved an impressive volume of print work and background assignments in movies, television and commercials. Roy and Kathy continued to travel into their eighties. Roy's later years were spent devoted to Kathy and spending time together, with their children, and grandchildren of whom he felt so blessed to have. Roy was a classy man and was extremely generous his entire life. He taught his children the value of a good work ethic by example. He was dependable and always emphasized excellence. Roy was a man of many passions, namely, aerospace engineering, astronomy, travel, education, and classical music. He was high-spirited, optimistic, and he showed great poise and perseverance when facing life's challenges. He taught his children and grandchildren to always believe that they could become whatever they wanted, and he inspired them to find their passions in life. Roy's finest quality was how he loved Kathy. He always spoke about how incredibly fortunate he was to have had such a wonderful life partner and how blessed he was to have enjoyed good health, a loving family, and to have lived more than 89 years. Roy was immensely grateful for his life's good fortunes, and he loved celebrating milestones, both small and large, with a toast of champagne. Roy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. (Job well done, Dad!) There will be a visitation and Funeral held for Roy in the near future: please contact the Turner & Porter Peel Chapel, 905-279-7663, or go to https://turnerporter.ca/memorials, for information regarding Roy's Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roy's memory to the Air Cadet League of Canada: an organization that inspires and brings opportunities to Canada's future aviators, at www.aircadetleague.com/donate/ or 201-1505 Laperriere Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7T1, (613) 729-1941. Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca