JOHN ALLAN (AL) SWIFTE

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JOHN ALLAN (AL) SWIFTE August 3, 1929 - August 2, 2006 Peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Allan passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by parents, James Young Swifte and Lilian Mary Swifte (nee Pinkney). Allan's memory will be cherished by his beloved wife of 52 years Bernice (nee Day); his three children, Donna McElroy (Selkirk), Glen Swifte and Colleen Doerksen. Also left with wonderful memories of Grandpa are his grandchildren, Shaun McElroy (Tangshan, Hebei, China), Erin McElroy and Erika Doerksen. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Garth Day. Allan was born in Winnipeg and lived there all of his life. He was raised in the West End and attended John M. King, General Wolfe, and Daniel McIntyre schools. He joined the City of Winnipeg Police Department in 1950 and achieved the rank of detective before leaving the force in 1963 to pursue a career in the insurance industry. A self-educated man, Allan joined the Underwriters Adjustment Bureau in 1963 and undertook many years of study in the insurance and risk management fields. He studied insurance courses and by examination became a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada and an Associate in Risk Management of the Insurance Institute of America. Allan was a Past Most Loyal Gander of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International, an insurance related organization. In the late 1960's, he was a co-founder of the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Risk and Insurance Management Society. After leaving U.A.B. Allan was the branch manager of The Eagle Star Insurance Company. In 1971 he left Eagle Star to create the insurance department of Manitoba Hydro. In 1989 he retired from Hydro as the Manager of the Property and Risk Control Department. During the same year as his retirement he was voted by his peers across Canada to be the recipient of the Don Stuart award for his contributions to Risk Management in Canada. He also served for many years on the board of Hy-Line (Vantis) Credit Union. He was a Master Mason in Beaver Ionic Lodge No. 25 G.R.M., a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland. With the Scottish Rite, he was a 33rd degree mason, a past Most Wise Sovereign of the Bethesda Chapter Rose Croix and was awarded the Walter C. McDonald medal for meritorious service. Allan also spent many years as a Shriner and was a member of the Director's Staff of Khartum Temple including serving three years as the Director. Allan was a long time member of Christ Church Anglican in River Heights and served on the Boy Cub and Scout Committee. He was a Sunday school teacher for a number of years, served on the Vestry and was the People's Warden. He was also a Lay Reader for 20 years. Allan loved life and laughter; he lived for his family and spent many happy hours entertaining family and friends with his flawless recall of thousands of jokes and stories. He could find humour in almost any situation and his greatest legacy is the happiness he brought to those around him. Since 1999 he faced numerous health crises and met them all with dignity, humour and courage. He has earned his rest. The family would also like to thank Dr. F. Ross for his many years of care and more recently, Dr. Pat Harris of Grace Hospital CancerCare. Also, thank you to the wonderful doctors and nurses of the Intensive Care Unit of Grace Hospital. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Al's life will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm St. at Grant Avenue, Winnipeg. Rev. Jim Wolf will be officiating In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2006