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DR. WALTER EUGENE SWAYZE
Date of Passing: Jan 28, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. WALTER EUGENE SWAYZE With grace and in peace, Walter Swayze passed away at the age of 91 on January 28, 2014. He is survived by his wife Margaret; their children, David (Maret), Alan (Carol Hart) and Nan Anderson (Rick); grandchildren, Jonathan (Jenny), Emma (Brent), Daniel (Younglim), Katie (Will), and Erin (Tetteh); great-grandchildren, Cassidy, Paolo, Maelee and Amedu; Walter's brother Gordon; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, William Allen Swayze and Jennie Mae Roberts; two brothers, Gareth and Bill, and granddaughter Laurie. Walter was born in Toronto in 1922. His early love of reading led to a lifelong dedication to literature and the arts. His undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto and graduate studies at Yale, where he received his MA and his PhD, were interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served a tour of duty as a telegraphist in the Royal Canadian Navy. He met and fell in love with Margaret Hobbs while teaching summer school at Wesley College in Winnipeg, and they were married in 1947. After four years teaching at William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, Walter brought his young family back to Winnipeg where he chaired the English Department at Wesley College (now the University of Winnipeg) and taught until his retirement in 1987. Walter grew his team from a few professors to a large, vibrant faculty. He quickly gained recognition within the academic community as a scholar and teacher of national stature. He was also a member of Senate of this institution for 24 years and of the University of Manitoba Senate for eight. Over the years, Walter taught almost every course in the English curriculum from freshman to graduate level. He thrived on collaborating with his colleagues and took great pride in the success of his students, both in their studies and careers. He remembered them all and ran into them everywhere. Before and after retirement, in between his ongoing duties, Walter found the time and energy to publish articles, in such publications as Queens Quarterly and Canadian Forum, to lead numerous committees and to be a member of several literary associations. Walter represented the University on many Provincial Department of Education committees. He was active in Riverview and Churchill Park United Churches and engaged at the local, city, provincial and regional levels, taking satisfaction in many projects, such as the rebuilding of the Young Street Church in the inner city. While captivated by the world of words and ideas, Walter also loved people. He adored his beautiful, spirited wife. Together, he and Margaret were wonderful hosts and opened their home to all, offering great meals and wine, excellent conversation and much laughter. They formed countless lasting friendships with colleagues, students, neighbours and their church community and have loyally kept in touch throughout the years. As a couple they shared a love of the theatre, film, music, travel, their cottage at Gull Lake and, of course, a long list of very lucky dogs and cats. As a comedy team, they were outrageously funny. Walter was a man of faith. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. We will miss his optimism, corny puns, prodigious memory, variable plumbing repairs, never-ending stories and his fierce bear hugs. We will always feel the rewards of his deep love for family, sense of duty and responsibility, generous nature and passion for learning and reflection. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m. at Churchill Park United Church, 525 Beresford Avenue. Special thanks to the dedicated and inspiring staff at the Health Sciences Centre, the Victoria General Hospital, Maples Personal Care Home and Golden Links Lodge who have cared for Walter over the past three years. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2014
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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While taking a few moments to search information about memorable teachers in my life, I came to this page about dear Dr. Swayze. He was a standout during my years studying at the University of Winnipeg and I felt very privileged to sit under his lectureship. His profound depth of literary knowledge and genuine love of teaching was remarkable and had great impact on my own appreciation of the written word. He was a wonderful story teller and a truly humble man. I do hope that one day I am remembered by my students with such affection and respect. - Posted by: Johnna Mula Grech (Former Student) on: Jun 26, 2016
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I did not know Professor Swayze well. I did not even take a class from him while at the University of Winnipeg from 1967 to 1970. But what I remember is how students who did know him felt about him. He seemed like a warm man who easily attracted people to him. - Posted by: David R Henderson () on: Jan 04, 2015
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I had the privilege of being Walter and Margaret's neighbour in Wildwood Park for 22 years. I always respected his gentleness, kindness and fairness. He was the perfect neighbour. He showed my husband and myself consideration and was a stellar example how to live in harmony with others. We often had the pleasure of enjoying his many stories. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to meet you. - Posted by: Corinne Larsen (Neighbour) on: Feb 25, 2014
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Dr Swayze was indeed a "gentleman and a gentle man." He made the world a finer place and imbued United College with his own special blend of wisdom, grace and generosity. He certainly did take an active interest in the lives and careers of his students and was instrumental in my decision to pursue grad studies and to become an educator. There really are not many like him, but perhaps there never were. - Posted by: Nancy McDougall (ex-student at United College) on: Feb 20, 2014
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Dr Swayze was an outstanding chairman; he ran the Department with a steady hand.If you want to know what type of person Walter was, let me tell you a story. For years Walter & I attended the Anglo-Irish conference in Toronto. Over the years the annual conference accumulated a substantial debt. In 1976, he invited the Anglo-Irish conference to meet in Winnipeg. This was the first international conference to be held in the U. of Winnipeg. It was a great success. Not only did we have scholars from Ireland, Britain, and the US but we also had the daughter of W.B.Yeats. Walter obtained a $3000.00 grant from the Provincial Government . With the help of the local Irish Association & some Irish families in Winnipeg, he managed not only to repay the debt of the Toronto Association, but also saved $1000.00 from the government grant. He decided to return this surplus to the Manitoba Government. It is rumored when this was mentioned in the Cabinet, one minister insisted he would like to meet this Professor. - Posted by: Fahmy Farag (colleague and friend) on: Feb 17, 2014
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A version of what I said about Walter's life as a professor at his funeral: https://www.facebook.com/notes/perry-nodelman/walter-swayze-1922-2014/10151844523451020 - Posted by: Perry Nodelman () on: Feb 04, 2014
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We graduated in the 1980s but Dr. and Mrs. Swayze have remained a part of our lives. We look forward to their Christmas letters and updates of their lives and families each year; one just received weeks ago. We were saddened to hear of Dr. Swayze's passing. We are honoured though to have had him as our professor and friend. Together with Mrs. Swayze, he welcomed us into his home and we in turn were delighted when they paid a visit to Singapore. Dr. Swayze, you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Katherine Rajah and Puvan Ariaratnam (Former U of Winnipeg students (from Singapore)) on: Feb 02, 2014
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Thank you Walter. I am privileged to have known you. Rest easy - Posted by: Craig Ritchie M.A B.Ed. (CPUC/ friend) on: Feb 02, 2014
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Walter Swayze, in all his dealings with others, was the embodiment of Grace. We do not often encounter such a wonderful person. I thank God for his life and witness. - Posted by: Lynette Miller (former student) on: Feb 01, 2014
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We know how important his father Walter was for David and his family and are saddened to hear of his passing. Much love from the Blackstock family in Merida. - Posted by: Jeff Blackstock and Marie Routledge (Longtime friends of David and Maret Swayze) on: Feb 01, 2014
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I credit Prof. Swayze in large part with determining my choice of career as a teacher of English. Thanks to his encouragement, after completing my Honours B.A. and M.A. at United and Manitoba, I went on to the University of Alberta, receiving my Ph.D. in 1972. From there, I eventually got a full-time position at the University of Saskatchewan, where I taught until retiring in 2010. I remember Prof. Swayze well, and fondly, from the many seminars he taught which I enthusiastically attended. My years at United were exhilarating, and I tried hard over the years to be as encouraging and helpful to my students as he was with me. I am sure I speak for the huge number of Prof. Swayze's former students in saying that, though he will be greatly missed, our memories of him as a superb teacher will always be with us. - Posted by: Terry Matheson (former student) on: Feb 01, 2014
