Lawrence Swagar

Mr. Swagar was the best math teacher I ever had. For my sisters it was the same. He stands in my mind, as the man who knew you needed to learn it, and would make that happen. He had an unwavering dedication to his students and helping them learn, even inventing his own factoring method to get us through the nastiest parts. We were all fortunate to have such a teacher in those years, and it's a shame he had to go so soon. God bless.

Dear Lawrence,

This is obviously hard to understand, how life passes from you to us, from us to you. It seems to me right now that it's the simple things that come through - how you always made sure those you were in company with were comfortable, laughing and loved. One of the first impressions you left me with was the natural patience behind your smile. Thank you for your grace, intelligence, and wisdom. Karen and my family will miss you very much. My deep sympathy extends to all your family, friends and loved ones.

It is nearly impossible to put into words what Lawrence means to all of us. Since I first met Lawrence, and still to this day, he has been a life inspiration to myself and everyone that has had the privilege to meet him. He was the most selfless generous person i have ever met. Every memory of Lawrence is a good one for me. I am happy to have known him and am sad to have lost such an amazing person. My love goes out to Karen and the rest of the family, as well as to Lawrences family.

To the Swagars and the Harris's
A lovely picture of my cousin Karen and Lawrence during their honeymoon visit to Powell River has a special place in my photo albums. Lawrence had expertly maneuvered their comfy RV into the campground at Willingdon Beach. (The RVs kept getting bigger and bigger after that I heard!) We had Mexican food on a warm early summer evening when Marine Avenue was closed and tables were set out on the street. I recall several margaritas being served that night! Lawrence and Karen had spent some of the day shopping in our local consignment shops. Lawrence had said that Karen had trained him so well that he could spot the quality clothes and deals almost as fast as she could!! I think he found a blue denim shirt for himself that day too! Lawrence¹s attentiveness to all of us, and especially his new bride, was wonderful to see. A few years later, and during a very difficult time, I stayed with Lawrence and Karen in their chic condo in Victoria. It meant so much to be able to talk freely and openly to them. Their home was a safe place to land. It was such a shock to learn that Lawrence's illness overcame him so soon after our November trip to Calgary. My heart goes out to Karen for the loss, after only a few short years, of her caring, thoughtful, fun-loving partner. To Lawrence¹s family and friends: May these memories help to create a safe, warm place to land and gain strength to move forward.


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To Karen and family and Lawrences family my sincerest condolences on your loss. Lawrence was indeed 'One of a Kind'. I feel very fortunate to have known Lawrence and experienced his friendship for over 20 years. We shared many laughs and beers over the years and his glass was always 'half full'. Lawrence brightened up every room he entered and touched all that knew him. He taught us how to putt one handed and how to pick the 'sleepers' in the hockey pool that he loved so much. He also was the first one in our hockey pool to use the more is better approach when drafting players. If the player didn't have at least 17 characters in his surname he wasn't good enough to make Lawrences' team!! All of us at Gorge Vale GC and the hockey pool will miss his great sense of humour and his infectious smile. I'll miss you Lawrence but I'll never forget you.

Hey Dad, I'm still getting used to the fact that you're not with us anymore. I know that you're watching over us all ,taking care of us as you always have. Thanks so much for all the support you have always given me in all facets of my life, from that spelling bee in grade 1 to advice up until the last day we talked. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for you and mom, you instilled integrity, honesty and the will to work hard for things that I want to achieve. I can't thank you enough for being my dad, my teacher and my friend. I love you , Wade

To The Harris and Swagar families

Once in a blue moon, someone comes into a family and unexpectedly wins the whole tribe over in an instant. And so it was when tall lanky Lawrence strode into the Harris family like Gary Cooper in High Noon. He was ready but they were defenseless against his charm and honesty. Even Ken Harris, often resistant to such advances melted under the light that Lawrence shone around him. And that’s how it felt to meet Lawrence and come under his spell of energy, good humour, love and caring for those around him. Having him around was, indeed, like a light shining about looking for places that needed help, healing or just plain fun and he was always ready for any of that. Karen, I know that you know how very fortunate you were to have Lawrence for these past few years and how much you will miss him. Also know that we all will miss him and grieve with you at the sudden loss of such a fine man.

How sadden and shocked we were to read of the all too early death of Lawrence Peter Swagar. "Larry" was a very young man when he taught mathematics at St. Francis High School, Calgary, Alberta, from 1968 to 1970. I doubt that there is a single teacher, from that time, that does not remember the year end party that we had at "The Swagars".

Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Larry's immediate and extended families. A plaque, engraved Lawrence Peter Swagar, will be placed on our Memorial Board, and he will be remembered at the Commemoration of the Dead at all the Masses said in our Chapel. Larry's name will be read aloud at our Remembrance Day Liturgy each November 11th.

Should you wish to visit our chapel to pray for Larry, and see the plaque, we welcome you.

For the Caring Community of St. Francis High School,
Catherine Mitchell, Archivist

To you Lawrence:
When I first started teaching at Lansdowne, it was always YOU who made sure to invite me to come for a drink with you on Friday afternoons. And it was YOU who always lent me $20 - anytime, any day! You loved to laugh - you loved working with kids - and you loved life. I feel so blessed to have known you and to have worked with you. I know, I probably owe you $20, too!

When I think of Lawrence, I think of kindness....
A loving kindness towards others that he would give without hesitation. I remember him "steaming" me with Karen's steam iron so my outfit wouldn't be creased for the general meeting. I remember the wonderful array of vegetables he put together for us so we wouldn't be hungry at the meeting.

When I think of Lawrence, I hear his laugh....
I remember the laughs he and I had in the GVTA board room. His happy demeanor puts a smile on my face and reminds me of what a wonderful person he was to know.

When I think of Lawrence, I remember.... and smile :-)

Hugs Lawrence....Mary

Dear Lawrence,
Our thoughts will always be with you. You have had a great impact on our entire family's lives in the short time that you & Karen have been together. Your entire life has been devoted to helping others, whether that be caring for your family, teaching, or just being there for the people you care about. You are indeed a noble man, completely selfless in making sure others are taken care of before yourself. Unfortunately there are too many more redeeming qualities to be able to note here. You are a great uncle, a great friend, and a great golfing buddy.
Karen please be rest assured that Lawrence is still taking care of us all.
Love Lisa, Liam & Brent Gacek

Hi Pop,

Thank you for being such a great grandfather. You were always there for the days that were important. I remember spending time sleeping over at yours and Karen's house. I'll miss you a lot. I'll never forget the one time when you and Karen were supposed to come watch us for the night, but the power went out so we were looking in the pitch black darkness for flashlights. Except we ended up going to yor house. It was really fun. I'm really sad about you leaving us so soon, but I hope you and grandma have a nice time seeing eachother once again. I love you and I'll miss you!

Dearest Karen; the Swagar and Harris Families;
I tried to send you a message this morning but I didn't do a good job because my emotions got in the way, so I am trying again.
Lawrence was a wonderful helpful, generous, thoughtful of outhers husband, father, son-in-law, & brother. He would always be in the kitchen or behind the bar or picking up the supplies or organizing. Never find him just sitting back letting someone wait on him. He loved Karen, his family, his sports, especially golf and it seemed he and Karen had their future retirement years all planned and put into practice, then fate stepped in and in three short months, took it all away. Except our wonderful memories which are hidden right now behind our sorrow but will shine through in the hereafter.
I send my love to you all.
Lucinda (Mom) Hattis
Victoria, BC

Hi Dad, I know you can hear me now because I believe that our loved ones become our angels after they leave this world. I know we only knew each other for a short time in your span of life and my only wish was that we had gotten to know each other better. But we tend to think someone will be around forever and let the time slip by. My fondest memory is the time we spent together camping at Beaver Lake Resort after you got your new motorhome. I remember making you laugh as I poked at the huge fire we had built but I think it was easy to make you laugh because of your great sense of humor. And that was quite a night that you and Don tied on the night after our wedding, all I can say is thanks a lot, it was fun dealing with Don after you both finished off those two bottles, ya, you know which ones. But seriously, thanks Dad, for being a great father-in-law, I really loved you. And thank you for treating Jon like one of your own grandchildren, he loved you too. Now I'm not going to say goodbye because you are still here in my heart to talk to, any time, any day. So I'll just say, be happy and I'll talk to you soon. You rock! Love Karla.

To Karen:

Lawrence fit into our family for the last 5 or 6 years. He really loved you, as you did him. You had all your plans for retirement cut short, but you'll always have wonderful memories to hold in your heart.

Love from Mom

Hey Pop,
I never got to tell you the things I wanted to say, but I know deep in my heart you knew how much you were loved and appreciated. I will never forget our last words together, your smile and the flick of your hand, just like you always did when you would say good bye. I will play that moment over and over in my mind until we meet again. I will remember our times fishing, on sports trips and especially golfing. You were a great teacher and you taught Don, Wade and I how to be strong, supportive men. We will take those life lessons and pass them on to our children. Natahlie, Cody and Sara miss you tremendously and send their love. Godspeed Pop, your ship has set sail, let the wind take you to where ever you want and always remember my love for you. I know you and Mom are watching over all of us and guiding us through our lives, I hope we have made you both proud. Give Mom a kiss when you see her and I will see you on the 1st Tee, Pop.

Scott,Wade and Donnie: I am so sorry to hear of your dads passing. He was a great man and your mom was a great woman. They are now together in peace. My condolences to Karen as well. Although I have never met you Im sure Lawrence picked a wonderful woman to share his life with. Take care Aunty Dot

To Karen and the Harris and Swagar families:

We deeply mourn the loss of Lawrence. We had the privilege and honour of knowing this truly wonderful man as a friend, brother-in-law and uncle.

Lawrence was one of a kind. We will remember him for his love of life, gregarious nature, charm, quick wit, intelligence, laugh, and generosity. We admired his commitment to Karen, enjoyed golfing together and marveled at his unorthodox, but highly effective golf swings!

Lawrence was one of the good guys and left us all much too soon. Our family will miss him terribly.

Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts are with you.

We met Lawrence while he was dating Karen; we were struck by his openness and obvious affection and love for Karen and his willingness and happiness in his ability to help people and his joy of life. You could always count on him. Karen, sometimes there are no perfect words only thoughtful silence that whisper thoughts of caring. Nelson and I have you in our thoughts and prayers.

On behalf of the Gorge Vale Golf Club, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Lawrence was an active member of Gorge Vale and made a significant contribution to the social activities of the club. He not only played an active role in organizing the Monday Morning Scrambles, but also assisted with numerous other events. He was missed when he became an out-of-town member, and he will be missed even more now.

It was through Karen that I met Lawrence. Very quickly I realized that he was everything that she said he was- kind, generous and loving-a thoroughly decent man. That he loved Karen there was no doubt and they set about living life as a team. Despite all the new plans he and Karen had, he was also extremely and quite rightly proud of the family he had brought up. This is what makes his passing all the more difficult in that he was young, vibrant and living life to the full. He had a life that was well lived. Our condolences go to Karen and his family. Sheena and Tim Brierley

Lawrence was a dear friend, who entered the room with an inexhaustable energy. He exuded charm, understanding and regard for everyone. His honest humour will be missed. Always ready to lend a helping hand, Lawrence thought of everything and everybody. We feel privileged to have known him and call him friend. Glen and I both miss him very much and feel the loss deeply. I thank Karen for bringing Lawrence into our lives. My heart is with Karen and her family at this time.

Dad. I will miss you immensely. You were the best Dad anyone could ask for. You were an excellent granndfather to Tyler, Jon, and Cassidy. You are now with Mom and looking over us. I always strived to make you proud of me, I felt in your last days I had achieved this. Yes I was a trial sometimes for you and Mom when I was a kid, but you knew with your values instilled me I would be fine. I am fine Dad and am passing those same terrific values to my own kids. You were always there for me, Scott, and Wade. Wheather it was getting us up at 5:30 am to drive us to hockey practice, to spending numerous hours at the baseball parks. The last thing you tought us was how to exit from life with dignity and humor. After Mom's passing you met and married Karen. You guys seemed to have a great time in Palm Springs last winter. I just wish you two could have spent many more winters down there. You were far too young to go as was mom. I love you and thank you for everything and we all will miss you. Every person you touched in your life were better for it. I am who I am in large part because of you. Good by for now and keep guiding us along with Mom.

Dear Karen and Swagar family....it is with a heavy heart that I write to convey my condolences in Lawrence's passing. It is a very difficult time. It was a privilege, that I was able to spend quality time with Lawrence, during his illness and during his brief stay in Calgary. Lawrence was also my golfing buddy. We had many fun games and we hit many great shots too. It never really mattered much, what the score was, more so, just being able to be out there enjoying the experience. I especially enjoyed watching Lawrence's "one-handed" putting. Lawrence, as persistent as I was in asking, I wish you could have found the time to golf with me at the St. Andrews and Carnoustie golf courses in Scotland last October. It is OK that you could not attend, as I thought of you often when I was golfing the many courses there. Thank you for the great time golfing at the Gorge, the Desert Dunes, and many more. Some of the many great attributes about Lawrence was his gentleness, caring, and willingness to help. Lawrence always had time to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Lawrence, you have reminded me often how to be that kind of person. I believe in special places and Lawrence, you are in that special place. It is appropriate that I write this on the last day of 2006 as it is an important time to reflect on the great memories of Lawrence and bring in the New Year as Lawrence would have wanted. Lawrence, you will always be with us.

My Dear Sister Karen,
My thoughts are always with you now that your best friend Lawrence is no longer by your side. I helplessly watched over you both in the last few months of his life and am now trying to adjust to living each day knowing that Lawrence is not here to share the good times and the bad. He effortlessly blended into our family just a few short years ago and will never be forgotten for his humor, intelligence, kindness and most of all, for his intense love and total dedication to you. I miss him every minute of every day but take comfort in knowing that his pain is now gone and we will meet again someday.

Rest in Peace Lawrence.....

Dearest Lawrence: To start I have to say that I was the lucky one to have been part of your family. Your smile & thoughtful ways always brought out the best in people. Your grandson Cody will always look up to you for your compassion, caring and playful times you spent with him. Our sympathy goes out to Scott, Don, & Wade and their respective families & Karen.
Lawrence we will miss you, but never forget you.
p.s. when you see Dee and my mom, give them a hug & kiss.

Dear Karen, Scott, Don, Wade and Families our prayers and thoughts are with your at this time.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Mr.Swagar's family and friends. I now have a daughter who attends Lansdowne Middle School, and I have often thought of him as I walk through the halls of the school. He was my favorite teacher. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of the one and only teacher that made me enjoy algebra. Mr. Swagar was such a great teacher - I have many fond memories from Lansdowne Jr. High, and many have him in them. Whenever I hear the phrase "Close only counts in horse-shoes and hand-grenades" I always think about "Swaggy-Baby" as us girls liked to call him. My thoughts are with his family during this holiday season.

To my brother....thank you for always being there for me through all my trials and mistakes and not condemming me. I will never forget you and you are at last at peace. Say "Hi" to Dee for me and let her know how much I miss her.

To my brother Lawrence......thank you for being there for me through all my trials and mistakes and not condemming me. You are at last at peace and I will never forget you and your thoughtfulness. Say "Hi" to Dee for me and let her know how much I miss her!!!!!! Trish

I was honoured to know Lawrence in two facets of my life. He moved his family into the house beside my parents and I became a babysitter for his boys. I also got to know his first wife, Dee. Then, as families move on, we lost touch. I was reacquainted with Lawrence when working for Karen Harris at the Greater Victoria Teachers' Association. He walked in and announced, "Oh, you're the Donna Karen hired!" and from that point on, the jokes were flowing and it was as if time had not passed between us. He had a special connection with people both young and old. He will be especially remembered for his love of teaching math and his ability to enlighten young minds. I will miss his smile, his jokes, his generosity and his friendship. Now Karen has her own Guardian Angel to watch over her.