Official Obituary of
Reginald Joseph Swain
October 31, 1939 ~ April 11, 2024 (age 84) 84 Years Old
Reginald Swain Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reginald (Reg) Joseph Swain, a doting husband, a steadfast father, an adoring grandfather and great grandfather, a dear brother, a cherished uncle and great-uncle, and a community treasure. He died peacefully at the age of 84, on the morning of April 11, 2024 at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, surrounded by his loved ones.
Left to celebrate his life are his wife of 55 years Margaret Swain, children: Keith (Georgina), Dawn (Peter), Jason (Ashley), Justin (Danielle) and Alicia (Blair) Squires, grandchildren: Brianna, Gavin, Nathan, Reid, Emma, Eli and Ellie, great grandchild, Spencer. He also leaves behind his sisters; Marie and Betty (Phonse), as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends and adoring fans, including his favourite fellas whose regular visits were the highlights of his week.
Reg is previously deceased by his parents, Jack and Evelyn (nee Canning) Swain, brothers: Aiden, Peter, John, Tom and Alfred, sisters: Genevieve (infant), Dorothy, Ella and Genevieve.
Reg was beloved by many. Visiting him topped the list of many social calendars. His door was always open, his kitchen immaculate. He’d greet you with a smile, a cleanshaven face, and neatly combed hair, as if he’d been expecting you all along. He’d offer you a drink or a bite to eat as you made yourself at home in the gaze of his big blue eyes, which happily took you in just as you were, without judgment.
He was a kind and gentle soul. He lived in the service of family and friends, acquaintances and strangers, whether you were a person or a cat. He was always ready to lend others a helping hand, sometimes before they even realized they needed it. He was the master of all the little supportive things that added up to so much.
He spent a lot of his life at sea, serving nearly three-decades as part of the Canadian Coast Guard, on the CCGS Bartlett and CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell. But Reg was always anxious to get back on land, to his family and friends in Calvert, his lifelong home.
He was truly a man of Calvert, deeply connected to the people and rooted in the place. He knew its varied landscapes like the back of his freckled hand, thanks to his many excursions along the water, treks into the woods, and of course, his countless faithful walks to Stone Island, the old doorstep on which his ancestors first arrived.
But Reg will be remembered most for his warm and generous presence. He was a wonderful listener and an easy conversationalist. He had a wealth of stories; he delighted in a well-told tale, and a colourful anecdote. Getting a few chuckles out of him was its own reward. So too was the joyful spectacle of Reg’s legendary, infectious laughter, a rare breathless moment where he’d lose his words and his composure to everyone else’s glee.
Reg was a proud and dignified man. His greatest challenge as he aged was letting others finally return the support and kindness he’d been offering them for years. We’d like to extend our immense gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Leonard whose guidance and counsel helped light the way for us and Reg during the darkest times. We’d also like to thank all of those who visited, called, and sent messages to demonstrate their love for Reg, especially in his final days.
At Reg’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Calvert on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 am with inurnment to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ferryland
Flowers are graciously accepted, or donations may be made in honour of Reg to a charity of your choice.
SERVICES
Left to celebrate his life are his wife of 55 years Margaret Swain, children: Keith (Georgina), Dawn (Peter), Jason (Ashley), Justin (Danielle) and Alicia (Blair) Squires, grandchildren: Brianna, Gavin, Nathan, Reid, Emma, Eli and Ellie, great grandchild, Spencer. He also leaves behind his sisters; Marie and Betty (Phonse), as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends and adoring fans, including his favourite fellas whose regular visits were the highlights of his week.
Reg is previously deceased by his parents, Jack and Evelyn (nee Canning) Swain, brothers: Aiden, Peter, John, Tom and Alfred, sisters: Genevieve (infant), Dorothy, Ella and Genevieve.
Reg was beloved by many. Visiting him topped the list of many social calendars. His door was always open, his kitchen immaculate. He’d greet you with a smile, a cleanshaven face, and neatly combed hair, as if he’d been expecting you all along. He’d offer you a drink or a bite to eat as you made yourself at home in the gaze of his big blue eyes, which happily took you in just as you were, without judgment.
He was a kind and gentle soul. He lived in the service of family and friends, acquaintances and strangers, whether you were a person or a cat. He was always ready to lend others a helping hand, sometimes before they even realized they needed it. He was the master of all the little supportive things that added up to so much.
He spent a lot of his life at sea, serving nearly three-decades as part of the Canadian Coast Guard, on the CCGS Bartlett and CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell. But Reg was always anxious to get back on land, to his family and friends in Calvert, his lifelong home.
He was truly a man of Calvert, deeply connected to the people and rooted in the place. He knew its varied landscapes like the back of his freckled hand, thanks to his many excursions along the water, treks into the woods, and of course, his countless faithful walks to Stone Island, the old doorstep on which his ancestors first arrived.
But Reg will be remembered most for his warm and generous presence. He was a wonderful listener and an easy conversationalist. He had a wealth of stories; he delighted in a well-told tale, and a colourful anecdote. Getting a few chuckles out of him was its own reward. So too was the joyful spectacle of Reg’s legendary, infectious laughter, a rare breathless moment where he’d lose his words and his composure to everyone else’s glee.
Reg was a proud and dignified man. His greatest challenge as he aged was letting others finally return the support and kindness he’d been offering them for years. We’d like to extend our immense gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Leonard whose guidance and counsel helped light the way for us and Reg during the darkest times. We’d also like to thank all of those who visited, called, and sent messages to demonstrate their love for Reg, especially in his final days.
At Reg’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception RC Church, Calvert on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 am with inurnment to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ferryland
Flowers are graciously accepted, or donations may be made in honour of Reg to a charity of your choice.
SERVICES
Visitation
Sunday, April 14, 2024
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ryan's Funeral Home
P.O. Box 654
Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0
Visitation
Monday, April 15, 2024
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Ryan's Funeral Home
P.O. Box 654
Bay Bulls, NL A0A 1C0
Funeral Service
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
11:00 AM
Immaculate Conception RC Church
Northside Road
Calvert,
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Services
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