Neil Alexander Swainson 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, www.alzheimer.ca or telephone: 1-800-667-3742 or to First Metropolitan. Neil will be remembered as a gentle, principled, and courteous husband, father and friend.
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Anthony Filoso, Joanne Moretti &
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Rennie and Ruth Warburton To Aldyth and family:
We send our heartfelt condolences at the loss of Neil. He was a fine man, gentle, kind and wise. He was the first colleague Rennie met from outside his own department, and Rennie held him in great respect.
We will miss him at First/Met.
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Many blessings,
Rennie and Ruth Warburton
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Hugh Curtis I have fond, respectful memories of Neil during my years as a Vic High student and later, when we encountered each other from time to time.
My sympathy,
Hugh Curtis
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Frances Swetlikoe (nee Muit) Aldyth and Family:
My thoughts are with you and your Family.Frances
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Anne and Frank Churchley Anne and I were very sorry to hear of Neil’s passing. We remember fondly his cheery greetings as we stopped many times to chat on our walks on the Esplanade. We want you to know that our thoughts are with you at this time Sincerely, Anne and Frank
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Howard and Colleen Biddulph Dear Aldyth:
We shall never forget the kind friendship of you and Neil to us.
Neil was an outstanding example of a gentleman, scholar, teacher, and friend. We have thought of you both with tender remembrances over the years. You are in our thoughts and prayers.—Howard and Colleen Biddulph
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E.A. KILLOUGH Dear Members of Dr. Swainson’s Family
It was with great sadness that I read of Neil’s recent passing; please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of one who, to me, also was a greatly esteemed and admired gentleman, teacher, scholar, mentor, professional colleague and friend. I very much regret that recent surgery prevents my attending his memorial service, but my thoughts and prayers nonetheless will be with you.
Soon after I took a position with the B.C Ministry of Education In 1964, I was privileged to be one of Neil’s first “weekend” graduate students at Uvic as I pursued my MA in Administration. There I greatly enjoyed and profitted from his fine wit, wonderful knowledge, masterful teaching and inspiring intellectual challenges in political science studies, as well as thoroughly appreciated his continuing interest in all aspects of BC public education and my professional career therein. Shortly afterwards, again as a student in residence I benefitted greatly by having Neil as the most valued member of my thesis Supervision Committee; his unfailing encouragement, inspiration, insights and support were critical to my completing necessary research and writing. Looking back over the almost fifty years since I met him, I can say without any hesitation that Neil was one of a very few whose outstanding personal qualities and modelling of professional excellence truly were formative in my life. I’ll miss him so much, too! Sincerely, E.A. (Ted) Killough
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Kate Insley My husband (Alan Insley) worked with Neil on the Board of Chown Place and had the greatest respect for him. It is interesting to learn more about this very capable man. Our society has been blessed. My sincere condolences .
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Trudie (Niven) Carrier Dear Mrs. Swainson (Aldyth) and Family: I was so sorry to learn of Neil’s passing. You may not remember me but my late parents, Bob and Dorothy Niven, knew Neil so well. I remember that when Mom died almost 13 years ago, Neil came around to the house on Monterey Ave. to offer his condolences in person. What a thoughtful thing to do. I know my Dad was very appreciative of his kindness. The world is a little poorer without such a fine man amongst us.
Trudie (Niven) Carrier
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Dave Rutherford I had the pleasure of being one of the many students that Dr. Swainson taught in the 1970’s. His passion and ability as both an academic and more so as a teacher was evident to all. A true gentleman and scholar.
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Robert Bish I met Neil many years before joining the UVic faculty as the professor of local government in the Public Administration program. I was proud to continue his work in local government and he became a very valued friend and colleague.
My condolences to his family for the loss of such a fine friend and person. He and his work will always be remembered and appreciated.
Bob Bish
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Michael and Joan Hall-Patch Our heartfelt sympathy, Aldyth, on Neil’s passing. We appreciate the years we spent talking to you both over the fence, or running into you both in later years.
Mike and Joan Hall-Patch
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Michael and Joan Hall-Patch Our heartfelt sympathy, Aldyth, on Neil’s passing. We appreciate the years we spent talking to you both “over the fence” or when we met in the later years.
“O, what a noble mind is here o’erthrown” …Mike and Joan Hall-Patch
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Richard Acton Aldyth
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of such a kind, honest and generous person as your husband Neil Swainson. I had the priviledge of knowing him for many years when we worked to-gether on the board of the Gorge View Society . His integrity and dedication to helping those in need was an inspiration to me and other Board members. I will always remember him.
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The Harding Family Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Frank Stonebanks Dear Don
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, my condolences to you and your family from Lena and I.Best wishes
Frank
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Frank & Dianne Schroeder So sorry to read of Neil’s passing.
We are so sorry we will not be able to attend the service.
Our prayers are with you.
Dianne
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Arthur Kratzmann Neil’s passing has left a personal and professional vacuum that no other person can ever fill. He was a consummate gentleman, a highly respected teacher and counsellor, and a loyal, cooperative, and supportive colleague. One of the finest of men graced our presence and left a positive personal and professional indelible mark that will never be erased.
Sincere condolences to the family.
Respectfully,
Arthur Kratzmann, former Professor and Dean of Education, U-Vic.
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Rosie Miller Dear Aldyth, John, Neil, Andrew and Don
We are very sad to hear about Neil and send you all our sympathy. We will always remember him as someone who was a strong family man who reached out with care to stay in touch with his wider family.Takes care and much love
Rosie, Margie and Alex
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Kieran Bridge Neil was an inspiration to generations of his students. His insight and enthusiasm were great gifts. I will always remember his energy, which was contagious. We are all better to have known him, and his legacy will live on for many years.
Kieran Bridge
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Warren Magnusson I had the honour of working with Neil in the Political Science Department at U Vic. He was an example to us all: intensely interested in his subject, dedicated to his students, and genuinely concerned about everyone’s well-being. He will be missed by all who knew him.
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Roger Stonebanks Please accept my condolences at the passing of Neil Swainson. I knew him when he was a councillor in Oak Bay and one of my responsibilities as a reporter for the Victoria Daily Times was to cover the council and committee meetings. To this day I remember him as a kind, courteous and friendly person – a pleasure to have known, if briefly.
Roger Stonebanks
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Diana Butler Aldyth,
I was so sad to hear about Neil. He was such an honourable person whos integrity was something to truly value. As one of his Council colleagues for many years, I particuarly appreciated this. I learned a lot from Neil, even when I didn’t agree with him. One of the things I so well remember is his intimate knowledge and care of Oak Bay’s special qualities. When we went out on site visits to look at applications to change existing dwellings, Neil knew the history of every house and who had lived there over the years. When people appeared before Council, inevitably there was someone he had taught at some stage of his career – an amazing contribution to so many. I know this is a sad time for you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Diana Butler
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Diana Butler Aldyth,
I was so sad to hear about Neil. He was such an honourable person whos integrity was something to truly value. As one of his Council colleagues for many years, I particuarly appreciated this. I learned a lot from Neil, even when I didn’t agree with him. One of the things I so well remember is his intimate knowledge and care of Oak Bay’s special qualities. When we went out on site visits to look at applications to change existing dwellings, Neil knew the history of every house and who had lived there over the years. When people appeared before Council, inevitably there was someone he had taught at some stage of his career – an amazing contribution to fso many. I know this is a sad time for you and your family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Diana Butler
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David Bray Aldyth and family
Please accept my condolences on Neil’s passing. I remember him well from our weekly walks with the FirstMet summer strollers a couple of years ago and always enjoyed walking and talking with him. I know he will be missed.
David
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Catherine Mitro My deepest sympathy for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
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Colin and Betty Jones Please accept our deepest condolences on Neil’s passing.
Dear John,
Our family would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family members. We didn’t know your dad, but based upon our great experiences with you, we can only conclude that he must have been a wonderful person, with a lot of integrity, wisdom and heart. We see all those great qualities in you, and as they say “like father like son”.