Graham "Pat" Sword

Graham Nesbitt Sword (“Pat”) passed away peacefully at his home in Halifax, Tuesday, June 14, 2011 with family at his bedside. He was 92. Graham was born to the late Colin E. and Laud Sword August 16, 1918 in

Montreal. He was raised and educated in Toronto. He married Jean Kennedy of Winnipeg in Toronto on May 26, 1951. He started his 45 year career in the general insurance industry in Toronto with the Union Insurance Society of Canton Ltd. This led to moves to Saint John, N.B., Montreal and finally Halifax where he retired from the Guardian Insurance Company of Canada. After his retirement he worked for 10 years at the Insurance Advisory Organization of Nova Scotia.

Graham was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, first as a member of the Zetland Lodge No 326 in Toronto and later of the St. John’s Lodge No2 and Neptune Lodge, both of Halifax, as well as the Scottish Rite.

While he was active in various community service activities throughout his life, after retirement, he joined the Kiwanis Golden “K” Club of Halifax, serving as the treasurer for 17 years. During more than 20 years with Golden “K”, Graham volunteered every Friday morning as a patient escort at the IWK children’s hospital. Graham is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Jean and his two sons, Colin E. Sword in Halifax and Donald G. Sword (Pat) in Conception Bay South, NL, granddaughters Kimberley Sword in St. Johns, NL and Heather Sword in Halifax, and sister Pam Boyd (W.H.C. “Bill”) in Oakville, ON. He was a gentle man, a gentleman, and never had an unkind word for anyone. He raised the spirits of those around him with his humour. Visitation will be at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531 on Friday, June 17th from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the IWK Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The family would like to thank palliative care, VON and Red Cross for their care and compassion shown to Graham and family. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com