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PETER EDWARD SWERHONE
Date of Passing: Jul 24, 2016
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PETER EDWARD SWERHONE It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of our father, Peter Edward Swerhone, on July 24, 2016. Peter is missed by his wife Genevieve; his children Lorna (Niels Giddins), Danielle, Michelle (Gerry Hagglund), Edward (Christine Finlay), and Patricia (Tami Waters). He is also survived by his three grandsons Daniel Hagglund, Jack and Nicholas Swerhone. Born the eighth child of Maria and Daniel Swerhone, he spent his formative years in Canora, Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan receiving his Bachelor of Commerce degree. With the encouragement of his brother Bill, he pursued Graduate Studies in Hospital Administration at the University of Toronto. On one of his trips home to Canora he met Genevieve Miller to whom he was married to for over 59 years. Upon the completion of his program in Toronto he was invited by Dr. L. O. Bradley to fulfill his residency requirement at the Calgary General Hospital. The meeting was fortuitous as Dr. Bradley became a life-long mentor and friend. Peter then accepted his first job at the Notre Dame Hospital in North Battleford as Assistant Administrator for 18 months. With his young family in tow, he then moved to Winnipeg as Assistant Executive Director at the Winnipeg General Hospital with Dr. Bradley. In 1967 he assumed the position of the Executive Director of the Winnipeg General Hospital. During his tenure there he spearheaded the master plan that lead to the formation of the Health Sciences Centre. This was the first amalgamation of its kind in Canada. That same year Peter was appointed the first President of the new organization where he remained until he retired in 1985. Peter was also a very active member in the Winnipeg community. Of note was his commitment and involvement with the Holy Family Nursing Home where he served as Chairman of the Board from 1976 to 1978. In 1981 he was made an honourary life member. He has received numerous awards and honours, including the City of Winnipeg Outstanding Achievement award, the Gold Medal from the American College of Hospital Administrators and the President's Achievement Award from the University of Toronto. After leaving the Health Sciences Centre Peter directed the planning and organizing of the Northern Alberta Children's Hospital in Edmonton for two years. He returned to Winnipeg to serve as the Executive Director for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba for the next five years and was awarded the Organization Achievement Award. Peter enjoyed life as a longtime resident of Winnipeg and spent many years at Victoria Beach where he enjoyed the beach, maintaining the cottage and picking berries. He had a great sense of humour and quick wit. All of us are immensely proud to have been his children. The family would like to thank the staff and Dr. A. Babick of the Holy Family Nursing Home for the outstanding care over the past few months. A mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 4588 Roblin Boulevard in Charleswood at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or the Holy Family Nursing Home. 204-586-8044
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2016
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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My condolences to all of the family. We are grateful for Peter's friendship and support of the Sisters and Holy Family Home. Peter's wisdom, kindness and community spirit shone through in all that he did. I am personally grateful for his support and pray that God's grace be a consolation in this time of loss. - Posted by: Sr. Zoe Bernatsky (Family friend) on: Jul 29, 2016
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You have my deepest condolences, Swerhone Family. Dad often tells the story of how his generous best friend, Peter, lent him a car and provided him with a list of houses to look at when he and Mom were preparing to move to Winnipeg. Inspired by the special bond between the Dads and Moms, the families grew up together during countless rounds of "Secret Agents", swimming and biking at Victoria Beach and many holiday and milestone celebrations. In our minds' eye, let us raise an overflowing "loving cup" one more time to toast Peter and the special memories of him that bring comfort and peace to his friends and family. - Posted by: Michele Quaglia (Family Friend) on: Jul 28, 2016
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Rick & I have fond memories of Peter. He was a great friend of my Father's as both were hospital administrators. He was always looking out for my well being when I was a student at WGH. Peter was also responsible for involving Rick in Heart & Stroke which culminated in Rick being chairman of the board. Peter was a real gentleman. Our deepest sympathy on his passing. We are richer for having known him. - Posted by: Rick & Bev Zaplitny (Friend) on: Jul 27, 2016
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I really like Peter and enjoyed working with him at HSC and Holy Family thru MHO. Lorna, you probably won't remember me, but you and your family are in my prayers. - Posted by: Doug Machan (Co-worker) on: Jul 27, 2016
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I am so sorry for your loss. Peter was a very, very good man. When my kids are driving me nuts, my memoris of him being patient, smiling, and carrying on when we were kids and clearly driving him nuts flash in my mind. When I am not sure of my responsibility as a friend/collegaue to my partners, opposing lawyers, and clients, I lean on the memories of the discusions between my Dad and Peter - their shared honesty, caring and candor gives me the boost to "to the right thing". Peter lives on in memory and in the actions of those of us to try to mimic some of what he taught us. - Posted by: Jonathan Quaglia (Family Friend) on: Jul 27, 2016
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Lorna, So sorry to hear of your father's passing, he was a great man who achieved a lot during his life. My prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Mary Lessing-Turner (Past employee of Health Science Centre) on: Jul 26, 2016
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Peter was a tremendous professional, and always a true friend to my parents and myself. Sincere condolences to the Swerhone family. - Posted by: Tom Dubinski (family friend) on: Jul 26, 2016
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Peter & Genevieve took great interest in me, as I was growing up. My Mom, Vera McDonald worked with Peter at HSC in Winnipeg. I was sad to hear of his passing.He was a kind gentleman & condolences go out to his family. - Posted by: Sharon McDonald (My mother, Vera McDonald worked with Peter at HSC Winnipeg) on: Jul 26, 2016
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So many memories I could share here, but the one that stands out the most was at Aunt Pat's wedding, when Uncle Peter went out for Kentucky Fried Chicken for all the kids, and just between the Swerhones and McDonalds, that was a lot of kids! I don't know why that sticks out so much, but as a little kid it seemed such a huge treat and he remained a hero of sort in my mind for feeding us. Uncle Peter was always bigger than life to me. I'm sorry I didn't have the opportunity to visit in these later years, but glad I made it through Winnipeg the times that I did, and so glad we had the time when Mom was still with us and a good part of the Miller side lived in Edmonton. - Posted by: Kit McDonald (niece) on: Jul 26, 2016
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I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I will remember him with great love and respect for his role as a father figure to me during my young years and as an advisor and mentor as I graduated from the Health Science Center. He was a dear and generous friend to the Milazzo's and particularly to Mary and Ernie . My heart is heavy but I celebrate with the family , the memories of a wonderful family man and a contributor to Manitoba history . Teri Milazzo Ibbott - Posted by: Teri Milazzo Ibbott (family friend ) on: Jul 26, 2016
