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Michael SWIFT Obituary
1936-2013
It is with great sorrow, and a profound sense of loss, that we announce the peaceful death at home of Michael David Swift on September 11, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Minto, New Brunswick, the second son of the late Victor and Madeline (Cullen) Swift, he was predeceased by his son David in 2010, and is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Ann (McGreevy) Swift and his caring sons, Peter and Andrew (Jamie Reardon), and David's wife Chrissanthi Pahinis. He was a wonderful and doting grandfather to six much-loved grandchildren: Michael, Thomas, Alexandra, Adam, Alyssa and Olivia. He took great pleasure in being an active presence in their lives, and was very proud of all of them. In addition, he is survived by four siblings, Thomas (Maureen), Rev. Maurice, George (Serge Beaudoin), Veronica Soloman, and many nieces and nephews. A graduate of St. Dunstan's University (Charlottetown, PEI) in 1958, he achieved his Master's Degree in History from the University of New Brunswick in 1964, following four years of teaching high school in his hometown of Minto and Oromocto, NB. Mike's long and distinguished career in Archives Management began in 1964, alternating between the New Brunswick provincial archives and back to Ottawa to increasing responsibilities at the National Archives of Canada, from which he retired as the Assistant National Archivist in 1997. He was an active member of the professional archives community, the Canadian Historical Society and a founding member of the Association of Canadian Archivists. He was also active on the International Council of Archives, contributing to many publications and participating in international meetings. In retirement, he ran a consulting business in records management for several years. Michael loved sports of all kinds, from basketball in university, to coaching minor hockey for his sons' teams, and golf, which he always felt he started too late in life. In 2002, he was inducted into the Governor General's Curling Club in recognition of his many years of service to Canadian curling, a sport he pursued passionately for 35 years. In retirement, he and Ann were avid spectators with friends at many curling events in Canada, Europe and Scotland. In recent years, he was an active member of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa, leading the organization of their archives, and instituting a records management program. Friends may pay respects at the
Kelly Funeral Home - Carling Chapel
2313 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario
K2B 7G3, 613-828-2313 www.kellyfh.ca
Monday, September 16 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Tuesday, September 17 to St. Maurice's Church for Mass of Christian Funeral at 11 a.m.
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46 Entries
Marla Waltman
September 22, 2013
We've been out of the country so we've just learned about Michael's death. Although I haven't seen Mike in many years, the warmth of his personality, his kindness, his archival knowledge, and the support he gave to me as I began my public service, were so greatly appreciated. I worked directly for Mike as his Archives Branch Programme Coordinator between 1980-1982. He was a joy to work for, and the experience is one I have always treasured. My deepest condolences to the family for your great loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Marla Waltman and Yuri Daschko
Lynne Armstrong
September 19, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to Mr. Swift's wife, children and other loved ones. I was very sad to learn of his untimely passing. In 1988, as a new employee at the National Archives, I clearly remember him as a very pleasant man, quiet, and always smiling. Although I never worked directly with him, I know that he was well-liked and respected by his NA colleagues, no matter what position they occupied.
Truly a loss to all who knew him, or knew of him. He made a difference.
September 19, 2013
Dear Ann and family,
As many former colleagues of the National Archives, I am saddened at Mike's passing so early. I enjoyed immensily the care and support he gave to the staff and how much he wanted a better work culture within the institution. He was an inspiration and was greatly appreciated amongst the visual archives staff. As a young photo archivist and eventually a manager, I felt and knew I could always approach him for balanced advice. A very kind gentleman.
My best regards to you all,
Brian Carey
Bonaventure, Québec
Greg Walsh
September 19, 2013
I first met Mr. Swift in Ottawa while visiting there as a young archivist. Soon after, I learned of his contribution to the archival profession and I feel so lucky to have met and talked with him at various ACA conferences and events over the years. On behalf of myself, my family and the the staff of the Provincial Archives here in NL, please accept our sincere condolences.
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Laura Millar
September 19, 2013
To the Swift family,
Please accept my deep condolences at Mike's passing. I first met him when I was a student intern at PAC in the early 1980s, and he was so gracious and welcoming to me, a young and overwhelmed newcomer to the profession. I enjoyed many conversations with him about archival topics over many years, and he never failed to welcome me with warmth and kindness; I always felt he had all the time in the world for me and my questions. I will never forget his kindness and hold his grace as a model as I now find myself in the position of adviser to my younger colleagues.
With very best wishes and sincere sympathies.
Diane Haglund
September 19, 2013
Mike was a fine person and a gift to have crossed paths with.
Marie-Louise Perron
September 19, 2013
Sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends on his passing. I knew him as a strong and quiet force in his archival career. The profession needs more like him.
Rob Fisher
September 19, 2013
Please accept my condolences. Mike was kind and thoughtful, and supportive to me as a new archivist starting out at the National Archives. My thoughts are with you and your family.
September 18, 2013
Ann and family
I have just this morning learned about Mike's passing. Shelley and I want to pass along our sincerest condolences to all of you. Mike was first and foremost a gentleman; he was also a valued friend and a true mentor whom I first met when I was a graduate student doing research at PAC. That visit and meeting were in part the reason I became an archivist. During my career at PAC, at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia and afterwards I certainly valued his friendship and wise counsel. Mike was always the steady hand at the wheel whether it was at PAC, ICA or the Canadian archival community. He provided invaluable service to the local, national and international archival communities. He loved to laugh, engage in conversation and have a good time. I have many wonderful memories! May the love and affection of so many for Mike help all of you during these difficult days.
Sincerely
Carman Carroll & Shelley Smith, St. John's, NL
Pat & Marg Gallagher
September 17, 2013
Dear Ann & Family,
We were shocked to hear of Michael's death but we understand that he had not been well. Please accept our condolences and know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
September 17, 2013
Dear Ann and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Michael. Margaret told me of his death and I send prayrs to all of you from the Dominican Republic where I am working. Catherine O Shea gsic
September 17, 2013
Ann and Family
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Michael's passing. Unfortunately I will not be able to come to the funeral but know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Lawrence Duff
Verne Kawka
September 16, 2013
The Swift Family
My deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family at this time.
Verne Kawka
Janet
September 16, 2013
Peter, my deepest sympathies and prayers to you and your family at this time.
September 16, 2013
Dear Ann, Chris, Alex and Adam,
We were so deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. He was a wonderful man, a good maritimer, and I know how much you all loved him. We will miss seeing him.
Please accepted our deepest sympathies on your loss.
Sincerely,
Janet, Brock, Megan and Ethan Kalef
Tom Nesmith
September 16, 2013
Dear Ann and family,
I am deeply saddened by this news. I remember Mike very fondly from my years at the National Archives. He valued and took a real interest in everyone. Mike always had time and supportive ideas for his colleagues, a wonderful legacy. He will be greatly missed by his many friends across the world of archives.
Brian Hallett
September 16, 2013
Dear Ann & family,
Mike will always remain in my memory as our archival careers intertwined. My last memory of Mike had a curling connection and was a chance meeting at the Capital Curling Club in Fredericton as he was coming into the club to connect with rink mates for an upcoming Monctonian event. You and Mike were such great friends. He will be missed.
Brian Hallett
September 15, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mike's leaving us for a better place. May God grant His peace and strength of faith to his family as they mourn his passing. Russ Passmore
Rick Green
September 15, 2013
My Sincere Condolences on your loss. My Deepest Sympathy for you and your family. I remember Michael as a kind and gentle source of inspiration in my second year of teaching in Minto in 1961.God Bless You
Marianne McLean
September 15, 2013
Dear Anne and family:
My deep sympathy for your loss. Mike was a public servant of integrity and a kind person. I remember with his appreciation his support of me as a new archivist.
Marianne
Denyse Caron
September 15, 2013
It is with great sadness that I have learned of the passing away of a man who was admired by all but especially by Jean-Pierre and myself.
My sincere condolences - Denyse
Terry +Sharon Cook
September 15, 2013
Dear Ann, and family,
Please accept our deep condolences for your profound loss. In archives, Mike did great things, of themselves and for hundreds of others working for him, at the Public / National Archives and the ICA, and he did them greatly: with humour, generosity to other, selflessness, and wisdom. We will always remember our post-ICA trip in China together with you and Mike with great fondness.
September 15, 2013
Ann and family.
Our sincere condolences. We remember Mike for his kind, gentle, and wise ways. He was a leader and supporter.
Peter Bower and Nancy Stunden
September 15, 2013
Dear Ann & Family
My deepest sympathy.
Mike was a very special friend growing up together in Minto and the brief time you were in Fredericton. He was always there for great advice ans support.
His faith was strong.
Tom Kearney
Ian MacLean
September 15, 2013
Hi Anne and family, Mike will be missed terribly, - most of all of course by you, but the rest of us will miss him as well. But there are lots of happy memories, and try and savour them. Look after yourself.
Ian & Marjorie MacLean
Marietta Dodds
September 15, 2013
To Ann and Family,
I am writing on behalf of my late husband, Gordon Dodds (1941-2010), who knew Mike from working with him at the (then) Public Archives of Canada, and in the beginning days of the Association of Canadian Archivists. Gordon always spoke highly of Mike, and enjoyed working with him.
Best wishes to you and the family,
Marietta Dodds
September 15, 2013
Peter Bower
&
Nancy Studen
Michael Moosberger
September 15, 2013
Dear Ann & Family; Julie and I want to express our deepest condolences at Mike's passing. I can remember like it was yesterday the first time I met Mike, as a newly minted archivist attending the Public Archives of Canada Training Course in 1983 and how welcoming and interested Mike was in my desire to work in Archives. That friendship and caring nature was always a part of Mike and over the past 30 years I always appreciated his friendship and kindness. He was a true gentleman and his passing has come too soon. Kindest regards. Mike Moosberger and Julie Morris, Halifax, NS.
Ian Wilson
September 15, 2013
Dear Ann and family
Ruth and I were deeply saddened to hear of Mike's death.
When I began my archival career he was the first archivist I met. His quiet but authoritative manner and his encouragement were key factors in my decision to continue in this profession. He was an archivist's archivist. And in many meetings and discussions, I found him both a respected colleague and a good friend.
He will be missed by all of us.
Our prayers and good wishes are with you. Ian & Ruth Wilson
September 15, 2013
To Ann and family,
My sincere condolences to tou and your family. I am saddened to hear about Mike's passing. I enjoyed working with him for several years at the National Archives. He was a great man and had a good sense of humour.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.
André Martineau
Ed Caissie
September 15, 2013
Dear Ann and family,
So saddened to hear of Mikes passing. I will always remember Mike as one of the teachers that had such a positive effect on my teaching career. On behalf of the Minto High School class of 1962 I send our heartfelt condolence to you and your family. May your wonderful memories comfort you.
Ed Caissie
September 15, 2013
Ann.... Michael will be greatly missed by friends and family at West Ottawa Rotary Club... he was a great addition to our Club
Carol Waters WORC
September 14, 2013
To Ann and family,
I was so surprised and sad to learn about Mike's passing. I had the prvilege of working with him and for him during many years at the National Archives. I will remember him as a gentle and caring person, devoted to his wok, employees and family.
Françoise Houle
Dietrich Foerstel
September 14, 2013
Dear Ann and family
In life we shared many things - same engagement day and location, the same wedding day, Mike and I started teaching at Oromocto Jr. High, classrooms separated by a corridor. He knew more of the History that we taught but I had him in math and Science.
We lost touch after Mike moved from Oromocto but reconnected through friends Carol and Garth Christie upon Ann and Mike's return to Fredericton
our path were brought together once again by these same friends but this time at Amherst Shore and last year we celebrate our 50th anniversary there.
In recent weeks reflected on the past and on a life well lived. We shall celebrate the life and achievements of a very special friend, Minto Mike and Ann.
With loving thoughts
Dietrich and Nancy
Warren Mizener
September 14, 2013
Dear Ann & Family,
Lorna & I were deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to tou and your family at this sad time.
T have wonderful memories of working with Mike during my time as an employee of the Public Archives of Canada (1964-1972). He was always a kind,faithful and supportive colleague.
May precious memories bring you comfort.
September 14, 2013
Dearest Ann,
Our hearts are breaking with the sad news of Mike's passing. He was such a dear, dear man, one of the nicest we have known. We have very fond memories of our times together, particularly visiting with you at your cottage along with the many, many enjoyable evenings at the curling club. Mike will live forever in our memories.
Sherril and Mike Minns
September 14, 2013
Dear Ann - I am so sorry to read of Michael's passing. Bill and I so enjoyed our years of mixed curling with you, and cherish the picture you took of us with our son at his graduation from Sir Robert Borden High School, and we did the same for you.
Michael was a sweet man and you dear Ann a most beautiful woman. Memories keep us warm and smiling. Cry not because it's over, Laugh because it was!
Glenn & Sandra Wright
September 14, 2013
Both of us had the privilege of working with Mike at the national archives over the course of many years.He made a significant contribution to archives, at both the national and provincial levels, but more importantly, Mike was always kind, gentle and good-humoured. We are saddened by his passing, he was a wonderful man.
Audrey Mellan
September 14, 2013
Ann and family
I am so very sad to read of Mike's passing. He was a kind and gentle man. May God Bless you and your family and keep you in his hands during you time of such sorrow.
September 14, 2013
Ann & family
Mel & I want you to know how profoundly sorry we are. May you find comfort in the support & love of your family, friends & community. Michael was such a beautiful person & will be missed by so many of us. Love, prayers & a big hug, Hazel xo
Edna Jordan
September 14, 2013
My sincere condoleances to you Ann, and family
Agnes Erfle
September 14, 2013
Ann and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Many happy memories come to mind of fun times curling together.
May family,friends and faith help you and your family through this difficult time,
Agnes Erfle.
September 14, 2013
Dear Ann and family
Please accept my condolences on the death of Michael with whom I worked at the National Archives for many years and whom I fondly remember for his knowledge and wisdom and his sense of humour.
Judi Cumming
Denny and Audrey Charlebois
September 14, 2013
Ann and family
Audrey and I are deeply saddened to learn of Mike's passing. We have had many fond memories of curling and golfing. He will be dearly missed.
Pam Dilworth-Christie
September 14, 2013
Dear Ann,
We were very sorry to hear about Mike. We're thinking of you and all your family during this sad time. Good thoughts sent your way.
Pam. Iain, Emma and Katie Christie
September 14, 2013
My sincere condolences go out to you, Ann, and your family. Mike was a dear man and will be greatly missed. Joy McDonell
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