Harold Damon Swalwell

In loving memory of our dear dad, grandad, husband, uncle, father-in-law, and friend Harold (Harry), who we saw to heaven after a brief, yet graceful, stay in hospital. Harold passed peacefully on the morning of May 27, 2023 in Palliative Care at St. Boniface Hospital. He leaves to mourn his daughter Tracey (Kevin) and her children Damon and Jenna (grandchildren to Harold), and their father Roger; along with his late son Greg’s family (wife Heather, and children/grandchildren Clark and Taylor); and his late wife Doretta June. Harold had a small family and was a precious uncle to nephews Bob, Doug (Joan), and Mark (Lori) and their children; along with brother-in law to Fred (Marion).

Harold spent most of his young life in Saskatoon, raised by his mother, Ethel Kershaw. Harold had many friendships growing up in Saskatoon and wore the nickname “Ace.” He was a high school graduate of Nutana Collegiate, and went on to complete his Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan. Harold had many fond stories from these years, and the memories continue to be shared amongst family and friends.

Harold’s first job was with Coca-Cola. He spent time working for the Department of Highways, and left Saskatoon to make his later home in Winnipeg, working for the Government of Canada for 35 years at the Canadian Grain Commission. Harold was a life-long learner, and mentor and continued to fuel his own learning and the learning of others as a mature student at the University of Manitoba. He had a love for books, reading, and history, and shared this love with his children and grandchildren. We often joked he’d be the ongoing winner on “Jeopardy” as he seemed to know so much about many subjects. Harold enjoyed sports, and was an avid Winnipeg Jets fan and Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan.

Harold married Doretta June on June 6, 1964. They spent time on Roslyn Road, Furby Street, Borebank Street, and Renfrew Street in Winnipeg before purchasing their home on Rutgers Bay. Harold raised his family with his late wife June on Rutgers Bay, and later Cunard Place, after suffering a spinal cord injury in 1992. His son, Gregory (Greg) was born in 1966 and his daughter, Tracey in 1972. Harold’s family was his pride and joy and he made every effort to be their number one cheerleader, whether as a coach or spectator, in everything that was close to their hearts. He spent countless hours with his children, and grandchildren supporting them throughout their years. Many would call him a “saint” as he touched the lives of so many throughout his life. He was known as “Dad” to all.

It is important to thank the staff of 6E, 5B and Palliative Care of the St. Boniface Hospital for their amazing care of “Dad” over these past months. The staff there also agreed they’d “never quite met anyone like him.” Dad’s final years were lived at Golden Links Lodge. The staff of GLL became like family and we wish to thank them for their care, compassion, love, and friendships through the years.

An intimate service for family and close friends will be held on July 27 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park”. In lieu of flowers, friends and family wishing to honour Harold, may donate to the St. Boniface Hospital or the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Swalwell family.