GEORGE SWIFT

Today I was reminded of something George Swift said to me about how thinking about doing something can often be more stressful than actually getting down to doing that thing. I want to share that the sweet echo of George´s grace, kindness, gentleness, wisdom and humanity still reverberates in me. I had the great fortune of working with him for one year at Bigelow MS when I was a student teacher. Now 18 years into my career, I call up many moments from that experience to help guide me in my...

I had the distinct pleasure of doing part of my Lesley College practicum with George at the Underwood School in Newton way back in 1992. George had a way with his students--just the right amount of care and concern with a touch of sarcasm and wit to win them over. After observing him for just a little while, I modeled myself after him in so many different ways whenever I was in front of a group of students. As someone who's been involved with environmental issues for 35+ years, I loved...

Not sure what led me to George's obituary over two years after his passing. I met George at MIT back in 1965. We became friends mostly around a shared interest in music. With Stan and Ray, friends I still see today, we formed a R&R band called The Horse, short for "...and the horse you rode in on". Of course he was the drummer. Lots of fond memories from those days. After college, George and I were two of the 10 folks who moved into a 'group house' in Arlington and still played music for a...

I had Mr. Swift as a teacher in his last year prior to retirement from Bigelow Middle School. I have no words to describe the truly awesome generosity, openness, cheerfulness, optimism, and just overwhelming kindness that he portrayed every day that I knew him. He was one of the greatest men I have ever met.

Mr. Swift was on one hand a great teacher -- he kept the material alive by sourcing a multitude of different sources, using video, computer games, books, even historical actors to...

Susan, Jeff and Katy:
We are so sorry to hear about George. Found out yesterday and can't believe it. This world will not be the same without him. He was so awesome. One of the best neighbors a person could ask for.

Sending you all hugs and hope you are doing ok :)

We miss our great neighbors, but love our new neighborhood. We have incredible neighbors here.

I had Mr. Swift in eighth grade three years ago. He was the quirky timeless science teacher who made middle school a little friendlier. He was passionate and overwhelmingly kind at times. I know that if anyone of us asked him a question he would answer patiently, truthfully, and casually. We bonded over both living in JP. I remember when he brought in his Wayne's World dvd for us to watch on the bus after a field trip and how he laughed when I asked him if it was the type of thing he...

Mr. Swift, you were my 8th grade science teacher and was the best and kindest one i've ever had

George was my mentor when I was a student teacher at Bigelow in 2004. I have always considered teaching the kind of profession one is best prepared for in an apprenticeship. I feel so fortunate to have been in George's classroom. I learned so much about Earth Science, passion for learning and teaching, respecting students, navigating "the system" with grace, and being a colleague. He was kind and insightful at a time when I was very vulnerable. I continue try to live up to the kind of teacher...