Wolfgang SWANGARD

SWANGARD _ Dr. Wolfgang Michael Swangard, scientist, teacher, author, and musician, died in Vancouver, B.C. on April 11, 2002, aged 98. Dr. Swangard was born on September 2, 1903 in Munich, Germany, emigrated to Canada in 1922, worked as a farmhand in Saskatchewan, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Medicine) degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He earned Masters Degrees in Biochemistry, public health and virology at the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in virology at the University of Munich. Dr. Michael Swangard was a medical officer in China under Chiang Kai-Shek from 1932-33 and served as an officer in the U.S. Army intelligence corps during WW2. He received further academic appointments in London, Boston and Pullman (Washington State) and practiced veterinary medicine in Eugene from 1941 to 1959. He conducted pharmaceutical research and administration for the laboratories of Diamond, Abbott and Bayer in the United States, Belgium, Germany and Spain where he lived for nearly 20 years. Dr. Swangard returned to Vancouver B.C. in 1986 where he continued to write historical novels until his death. Dr. Swangard was married to Helen Mary Mathews of Vancouver, B.C. who passed away in 2000 at the age of 97. He met Helen at the University of British Columbia where Helen was completing her Masters of Science degree. They married in 1936 and their strong bonds of love through 63 years of marriage is credited for their long, healthy and productive lives. Dr. Swangard also outlived his younger sister, Erica, of Freiburg, Germany, and his younger brother, Erwin Swangard, well known in Greater Vancouver for his love of sports, tireless fund-raising efforts (including Swangard Stadium) and final appointment as President of the Pacific National Exhibition. Dr. Swangard is survived by his two sons, Dr. F. Michael Swangard of Mission, B.C., and Dr. Robert Swangard of Eugene, Oregon, their spouses Kathy and Ina respectively, grandchildren Andrew Michael Swangard, Tina and Andrea Swangard, and his great-grandson Jack Michael Swangard. At Dr. Swangard's request, there was no memorial service. Donations to the B.C. Cancer Research Centre would be gratefully appreciated by his family.