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Neil Swainson Obituary
SWAINSON, Neil Alexander Passed peacefully into his maker's care on Saturday February 21st, 2009, in his 90th year. Neil was born and raised in Victoria, B.C. and began his teaching career in Creston, B.C. He returned to Victoria where he taught at Victoria High School before moving to the Provincial Normal School and eventually the University of Victoria. Neil graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A., B.Ed., and M.A. in history and was awarded a Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University. Neil became the first political science professor at the University of Victoria where he continued to impact generations of Victorians. Neil authored several books including Conflict Over the Columbia and along with colleagues, The Reins of Power. Neil was an advisor to both provincial and federal governments and spent over ten years as a Municipal Councillor in Oak Bay, his home for over 50 years. Neil was a lifelong member of First United Church, now First Metropolitan United Church. He was an active member of the community, a walker, a rugby fan, a teacher and a lifelong student. He will be greatly missed. Neil is survived by his loving wife Aldyth, his sons John (Linda, children: Alexa, Ian and Erica), Neil (wife Anna, son Luca), Andrew (Laura, children: Harris and Rachel), and Donald (Tracy, children: Alexander and Katherine). The family wishes to thank Dr. David Brook and the staff of James Bay Care Center, 2nd floor, for the excellent care they provided to Neil in his final years. A memorial service will be held at First Metropolitan United Church this Friday, the 27th of February at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or to First Metropolitan. Neil will be remembered as a gentle, principled, and courteous husband, father and friend. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com . 528058
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Swainson
12 Entries
Eric Carlsen Ph.D, Economics
August 26, 2020
I so appreciated being Neil Swainson’s student in his excellent course, History of Political Thought. He was a warm erudite professor who kept a lively stimulating class. He was one of my top three professors during my college years. Sad to hear of his passing - - may his memory be blessed!
Kennedy Miller
March 23, 2009
I had the distinct privilege of having Prof. Swainson during my first year of University in 1984. He was a kind , gentle, passionate educator who took a keen interest in young students. He was never too busy for questions and put his students first and forefront, something sadly lacking in most higher institutions. He made Political Science interesting and pushed us to higher standards.
He was the true definition of a "Gentleman and Scholar". Rest in Peace Prof. Swainson, you will be greatly missed.
Bernie Senensky
March 9, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Walter Walker
March 1, 2009
To the Swainson Family; my heartfelt condolences. I shall miss Mr. Swainson's cheerful encounters on my Beach Drive jogs. No man celebrated life more fully than Neil Swainson. A piece of Oak Bay fades with his passing.
Joy McLennan (Leask, Watson)
February 28, 2009
As a retired teacher myself, I remember fondly of the days that Mr. Swainson sat at the back of Willows Elementary classrooms (in the l950's) evaluating student teachers. I remember thinking at the time that when I WAS a teacher it wouldn't be tooo bad having him evaluate me!! He was always quietly smiling at the pupils - and, of course in THOSE days all the children were so polite - the student teacher really had a most pleasant task!!
.... having an OLD 1949 Beach Drive address ( my grandparents, the Watsons), I remember you all living on Bowker Avenue...THEN Beach... I fondly remember the great times in Oak Bay. Undoubtedly, it was the great people I met - including your husband and father, who made me the teacher that I became. Cheers to a wonderful life!
Chris Smith
February 27, 2009
I grew up beside the Swainson household and have some very fond memories. Mr. Swainson, aside from the great contributions he made to Oak Bay and professionally, was a true gentleman - honourable, trustworthy, oozed integrity and had no shortage of friends. He was so good to my grandmother Eleanor and our family over the years. He also had to put up with Donald and I ruining that garden - Blair H. noted, he worked so tirelessly on.
All the best to the family during this difficult period.
Jim McKeachie
February 26, 2009
The Swainson family members were longtime, close friends of the McKeachie family through First United Church over many decades. Alwyth and family can be proud of Neil's life and accomplishments and contributions to education, church and the community. Neil will be missed.
Condolences from Joyce and myself.
Blair Hedley
February 25, 2009
I remember Mr. Swainson from childhood, and always thought of him as such an elegant man...gardening in his dress shirt an Khakis ect...so sorry to hear of his passing. Hope the family is hanging in there...thinking of you often Don. YOur in my thoughts, Blair
The Harding Family
February 25, 2009
Please know that our thoughts are with you.
Russ Brown
February 25, 2009
I was sad to learn today of Professor Swainson's passing. He was the academic advisor to the Legislative Internship program during my year as an intern (1988). I recall in particular one occasion when describe himself as a "lifelong student", and I gather from his obituary that this was neither the first nor last time he said so! He blended a keen, inquiring mind with an uncommon gentlemanly nature. My sincere condolences to the family - it must be difficult to lose such a lovely man.
Jeremy Wilson
February 24, 2009
My condolences to Aldyth and the other members of the Swainson family. I was fortunate to have Neil as a senior colleague from the time I joined the Political Science department in 1974 until his retirement in 1985. I will remember him fondly as a man of impeccable integrity, great kindness and high standards. He was always ready to engage in spirited discussion of the latest political events. He was a modest man, but unfailingly generous in his willingness to share his truly encyclopedic knowledge of BC and Canadian political history. His qualities as a scholar -- that knowledge, his capacity for the patient research needed to make sense of intricate inter-governmental negotiations, and his ability to apply complex theories of public policy -- will live on in his published work, particularly his book on the Columbia River Treaty. It remains one of the most impressive pieces of analysis ever undertaken by a Canadian political scientist.
woods frank
February 24, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Swainson family at the passing of Neil Sr.....
regards
Frank Woods
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