George Emerson Swanson was born on June 21, 1929 in Leroy, Saskatchewan and passed away on October 4, 2013 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital with his family at his side.
Dad was employed by Cominco for 43 years. On July 1, 1946 he started with the Tadanac Fire Dept., and spent the next 41 years with the Dept., which came to be known as the Cominco Fire Dept. When he retired on April 25, 1987 he had served the last 15 years as the Fire Chief. This was something he was very proud of up to his last day.
Dad was a life-long volunteer in our community where he spent countless hours helping others and serving as a director on the many organization's boards including President of the Trail Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris fellowship award, Rossland Trail Shrine Club, Masonic Lodge Friendship 144, Kiro Manor Board, Jubilee Place Board, McBride Manor, Trail United Church, and Villa. Dad was also a life-time member of the BC Fire Chiefs Association. One of his proudest achievements was being awarded the Trail Citizen of the Year Award in 1996. Over the last 2 1/2 years, he found great pleasure serving his new community at Rosewood Village.
George is survived by his son Ken (Suzi, Erika, Rachel), his daughter Carol (Kerstyn,Taylor,Tabi), his great-grandchildren Mia, Bella, George, his 4 sisters Jean Smith, Lorna Ciriani (John), Norma Russell (Wally), Phyllis Draper (Barcley), and families.
He is also survived by his loving wife of 24 years Bernie and her children Glenda Paterson (Jim), Charlene Davidow (David), Leslie Morris (Rick), Murray Walsh (Gaylene), and families.
George was predeceased by his first wife Vivvian, his parents Herbert and Lenora, his brother-in-law Gordon Smith, his niece Jean Ciriani and nephew Braden Draper.
The family would like to thank Dr. Van Vliet, Dr.Hii and the emergency room nurses for the immediate help and attention when Dad arrived. Also thanks to Derrilyn and Tony, and the 3rd floor nurses, for keeping Dad comfortable to the end.
Special thanks to the Rosewood Village Community for the care and friendship over the last 2 1/2 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Trail United Church, Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Shayne McIntyre officiating. Final resting place will be at the Fruitvale Memorial Cemetery. Jordan Wren of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence on the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca