On April 27th, 2016, in his 76th year, John Edward Swift passed suddenly into the presence of his Lord and Saviour with his family at his side. Born in Gloucestershire, England, the oldest son of Arthur and Eileen Swift. His brother, Peter (Felicity) was born five years later and James (Ruth) was added to the family as the son of Arthur and Antoinette (Alan). John grew up in London, England where he attended Mercer’s School and ultimately graduated as a medical doctor from Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine. After immigrating to Canada in 1965 with his former wife, Dr. Irene Swift, John completed his residency in Family Practice at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. It was here that he worked as a physician in the Queens Family Medicine Unit, during which time he participated in the Queens teaching practice in Moose Factory and the Belcher Islands. John and Irene had three children Andrew (Victoria), David (Carol) and Fiona (Bobby). As well as a busy medical practice, their family ran a 120-acre Simmental beef farm. Moving to Hamilton in the late 1980s, John assumed a two-fold medical practice as head of low-risk obstetrics at McMaster University hospital as well as heading up their Palliative Care Program. John married Eleanor (Martin) (Rogers) in 1991 and became step-father to Jeremy (Amy), Darin (Sarah), Andrea (Dominic), Ashley (Adam), and Dustin (Shanna) and brother-in-law to Ruth (Brian) and Margaret (Steve). John was blessed with 15 grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy: Julia, Claire, Abigail, Naia, Naomi, Tristan, Leah, Anica, Jaden, Preston, Senja, Amelia, Cruz, Micah, and Madeleine. In 1992, John accepted a full-time position as Chief of Palliative Care at Parkwood Hospital in London, Ontario, subsequently opening a Palliative Unit at Victoria Hospital. John later returned to family practice, covering locums in London as well as Windsor, ON and in more recent years working with AIM Health Group and London Medicentre. In 2014, John and Eleanor relocated to Lucan, ON where John was presently practicing in the newly established Lucan Medical Centre as well as covering the medical needs of the Prince George Retirement Home. John’s faith was his passion, his family was his joy and his work brought him great purpose and satisfaction. In all of these areas, he touched hundreds of lives: friends, family, co-workers, and patients. And though we will miss him and grieve his loss, we “do not grieve as those with no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Friends may call at Community Bible Church, 24294 Adelaide St. N. (at Hwy # 7), Lucan on Sunday, May 1 from 6-8 PM and again on Monday, May 2, 2016 from 10-10:45 AM where a celebration of John’s life will be held at 11 AM. To honour John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Haskett Funeral Home, Lucan entrusted with arrangements (519-227-4211).
Donations to Scripture Union or Regent College would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Safa Malhis
We are very shocked and very saddened by the death of Dr. Swift.
Dr. Swift has been our family doctor since we moved to Canada 7 years ago. From the first day he saw us, he showed us how caring and thoughtful he is. He helped us a lot to cope with adjusting to life in Canada. He understood where we came from. When he moved to Lucan we were willing to drive 25 minuets to see him.
Dr swift was truly a one of a kind person. He will be deeply missed.
Our condolences go to his family and to his wonderful wife. Stay strong
May he rest in peace.
Belal, Safa and the children
Shauna Rae
I am devastated to hear of Dr. Swift’s passing.. He was not only my physician but a friend. When my mom came to live with me and to receive cancer treatment here in London, Dr. Swift took her on as a patient, gave me his personal cell phone number, and offered to visit Mom at home. He would often tell me he had read my newspaper columns and he likely didn’t know it, but he provided some of the best material for them. I was profoundly touched by his patient, open and gentle way. He will be missed.
brenda lipson
I had the pleasure and privilege of working with John on the Palliative care unit at LHSC for a number of years. The unit would likely not have happened when it did without his influence and dedication. I was always amazed at how he could impart the worst possible news to the patients in the best possible way-they knew how much he cared and that he would always advocate vigorously to ensure their needs were met.
He respected the knowledge and input of the other members of the team and I will always be grateful for having worked with him.
I remember one tale he told of a patient who interrupted their conversation to exclaim he saw a mouse, at which point John started to reassure him that hallucinations were not uncommon, and then, a mouse ran over his shoe!
On another occasion, he related how he blew the door off his parent’s garage as a very young lad (said he couldn’t sit for a while when his parents found out!)
I was so touched when, shortly after we began to work together,there was a gathering at his home in Lambeth. As each of the team left, John gave us a heartfelt hug and said:”thanks for all you do for our patients”.
John was a shining example of all a health professional and caring person should be and he has touched so very many lives. He will always be remembered and missed.
To this day, I find myself quoting his sage advice when I am passing on the knowledge I gained from him, to my colleagues and students. So sorry for your loss.
Dr. Greg and Veronique Patey (Kingston)
My wife and I are saddened to hear of Dr. Swift’s passing. He was a mentor to me in my Family Medicine Residency at Queen’s University and later become our family doctor, delivering three of our four children, and later still a respected colleague in palliative care. He will be missed by his many friends and the medical community.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to John’s family and friends; e will be thinking of you in the days and weeks ahead.
Lisa & Rudy Willen
I am so terribly sad to hear this. Dr. Swift was an amazing physician. He literally saved my life with a diagnosis that had gone undetected by neurologists, cardiologists, and many more specialists. He always listened with an open mind and our family will miss him greatly.
We were blessed that he was in our lives and he will forever be in our memories.
Condolences to his family xoxo
Adam and Michele Fyfe
My deepest Condolences to Mrs.Swift and the entire Swift Family,
Dr Swift was a great doctor and I felt very welcome when I first met him as my doctor almost 2 years ago.
Even though that was not a long time he made a big impact in my live and that of my family
I loved that he was European as I am myself and felt a good connection with him and felt that he
understood me completely and always cared and had time enough to help me in my darkest times.
We will greatly miss him.
May you RIP Dr.Swift
GOD received a great Angel
The Fyfe Family
Linda Hatton
Dear Eleanor and Family,
It was wonderful to meet all of you, so sorry it was because your beloved John had died. I just want all of you to know that I would not be the person I am today had it not been for Dr. John Swift. By making home visits all the way to Stratford Ontario, weekly and sometimes more often through the winter and spring of 1998, he allowed my partner of 20 years Carol Leard, to get her wish to die at home. I was the 24/7 caregiver but could only have done so, guided by his expertise and excellent pain management. I will never forget one of his last visits. Carol was sitting in her lift chair and she raised it up so she could stand and thank John and give him a hug. She had been 5’10” tall but her bone mets reduced her height to 5′. Frail but mighty she squeezed him hard. She & He taught all of us about love.
Rosanne Shortt
Dear Ellie
My heart goes out to you. John was such a kind & caring man as evidenced by his care of Joanna and I’m sure many others.
He will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy
Rosanne Shortt ( Darrell’s sister in law)
John & Arlene Berendsen
Our hearts are with your family in this time of loss…I remember listening to Dr. Swift at a Palliative Care conference at the beginning of my Nursing career, some 20 years ago. His wisdom, passion and grace as an advocate for his palliative patients touched my heart in such a way that really cannot be explained in words. He challenged me as a Nurse to always stand for the ones that cannot speak…I will always remember him with respect and so grateful to have met him. (Arlene)
Dr. David Reist
Ellie and family: my deepest condolences to you at this time of loss. John was a very fine physician whom I had the pleasure of collaborating with on several occasions. Our mutual patients always described his sincere care and the time he spent with them as exceptional in a medical system that often neglects the humanity of those it serves. I appreciated the dignity he gave to those he cared for, and his willingness to be an advocate on their behalf. He was truly a remarkable man, which I’m sure makes your loss even more significant. I pray that you will experience peace and comfort during these difficult days.
Cathy Letkemann
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Swift. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Swift on the Palliative Care unit at Parkwood Hospital. I learned so much from Dr. Swift and will always remember how wonderful he was with the patients and their families. Sending my deepest sympathy to his wife Eleanor and to his family and friends. Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Cathy Letkemann
Susanna and Larry Girardin
We are so very sad to hear that our Doctor Swift has passed. Our deepest sympathy to his family. He was a wonderful and caring doctor to our whole family and we will miss him dearly.
With heavy hearts
The Girardin Family
London Ont
Patty Bannister
Eleanor and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. I know this is a difficult time and I hope that you can all lean on each other for the support that you will need. It is the struggle of doing things with out him that is ahead for you and your family. I hope that when something reminds you of him you guys will reach out to the people around you and accept the help with adjusting to the quiet times ahead. Please know that he was one of the most compassionate caring doctors that I have met, he was truly patient focused.
Dianne Gaffney
I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I had the honour and priveledge of working with him in Palliative care at LHSC. His compassion, knowledge and dedication to his patients left an indelible impression on me. He helped me to become a better clinician and human being. My deepest sympathy Eleanor to you and your family. John will be missed.
Kim Goor
You must have a deep emptiness where John had been for so long before. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you during this difficult time. Of course John is in the better place. And we can be so happy he stands with our Saviour. To you Ellie, my heart goes out to you. You can go on -especially knowing John enjoys this time with Jesus and he waits til you can join him too. From everyone at bible study Byron.
Lynda McAninch Warder
Dear Eleanor. You were constantly with him as He practiced the Art and the Science of Medicine. He shared his love of you, your family, your cooking skills, his garden, dog, faith as he shared himself with others. I saw his Magic displayed with each and every Patient and Family we cared for.
When I asked him what energised him he told me …Love and Faith.
Thank you Eleanor for being there for him and Your Family of Eight! Without you in his life He would have been a different man …We all thank you.
It was a pleasure knowing and working with John. It was a priviledge being mentored by John , and it was
Wonderful sharing time with you both. You are a special woman who was married to a very special man.
Both Chuck and I are praying for John, You and your Faily
Anthony (Tony) Furfaro
Sincerest condolences to all the family members of Dr. Swift on your loss of a cherished husband, a loving an caring father and grandparent. His passing is a great loss for you and for many of his patients like me. I will always remember him for his genuine and warms mile when he greeted you. His easy professional demeanor created a level of complete trust from the first visit. The empathy and care that he showed for his patients reflected his deep commitment to his vocation as physician. May he rest in peace in the presence of his creator.
Kimberly Veal
Ellie and family,
We are so saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a wonderful man.
Dave, Kim, Leah and Brooklyn Veal
Laverna King
Mrs. Eleanor Swift and Family
My deepest condolences on hearing of the passing of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He often spoke of his family with such love.
Dr. Swift was my doctor for only a few years but he was such a remarkable man, caring for the physical,but much more he was truly a brother in Christ, nursing the soul and sharing our faith.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and may God comfort you now and always.
Laverna King
Faye Hamilton
Eleanor, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. John was a wonderful his and and he will truly be missed. God Bless.
Faye and Ross
Janice Marchant & Anne Marie Madziak
Eleanor & family,
We are very saddened about John’s death. So many good memories …
Janice remembers John’s first day at Parkwood and treasures their shared passion for palliative care and the many Celebrations of Life that John and you participated in over the years.
Anne Marie and her family were and still are deeply grateful for John’s compassion and caring when Dad was dying … As difficult as it was for all of us, we felt blessed and comforted by John’s presence in our lives and his gentle, attentive manner with Dad.
We remember each of you as you struggle with the magnitude of your loss.
Warmly,
Janice & Anne Marie
Syndee English
Our deepest condolences to your family.
John was such a wonderful person when Dave was ill. He was so caring and compassionate.
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Shirley Blaney and family
Syndee English
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
John was so wonderful with our family when David was ill.
He was a great person will caring and compassion.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Shirley Blaney and family
Mann Family
Ellie and family,
We’re very sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of John.
Praying for you all.
Love,
Paul, Margaret, Robyn, & Chloe
BRIAN CROSS
Dear Eleanor and family;I am so deeply saddened by the very recent loss of a true humanitarian and previous member of the Parkwood Hospital team as Chief of our Palliative Care unit from 1992 for many years.Having had the great priviledge of working alongside Dr.Swift it truly was a great honour and priviledge with his mmense knowledge of the healthcare field and his true compassion for the staff and the families he served so well in a difficult time in their individual lives and careers.Your true legacy you left us with will continue to guide us all in the healthcare field for many long years ahead I am sure as always with our heads held high and a genuine smile on our faces good man.God bless your family on this day for better days ahead in all their chosen career paths and daily lives from this point forward.Yours Sincerely Brian Cross Main Desk Parkwood Hospital London,Ontario.
Sherry and Ted Kreibich and Family
My wife whom Dr. Swift always called Missy came to me with crocodile tears when Peggy called to inform us with the sad news of his passing. Dr. Swift took expert care of our family members not only as patients but he made us feel as if we were a part of his family. He was always willing to go the extra miles to ensure we had the best health care possible with our myriad of health issues. We will miss him dearly not only as our Doctor but also as an ever smiling, caring and compassionate man and friend. Please accept my families heartfelt sympathy and prayers at the passing of this wonderful man.
BRIAN CROSS
Dear Eleanor and family;On behalf of all the current and past staff members at Parkwood Hospital in London,Ontario,we would like to extend our sincerest condlences on the very recent passing of a truly fine gentleman and a great friend to all clients he served so faithfully over so many years while addressing their many healthcare needs with ever present dignity ,compassion and good will always with an ever present smile on his face for clients we continue to serve and staff members alike to this very day.Thanks Doctor it was truly a pleasure for all of us to work alongside such a true humanitarian in every sense of the word since 19992 when you wre in charge of our palliative Care unit at this fine hospital and did atremendous job as always.We hope we can continue the tradition you built in the healthcare field over many years long into the future.The lessons learned from you and your legacy you left for us to follow will likewise continue for many years to come with the guidance of God leading us forwad as always.It truly was a pleasure to have known you the past 24 years.Yours Sincerely;Brian Cross Customer Services Represenative Main Desk Parkwood Hospital London,Ontario.
Holly Bloomfield
Dr. Swift was a great man and a great doctor, always had a smile when I would go into see him at the office, always so easy to talk too and would always make you feel comfortable and never rush he always had time for you even when other patients were waiting to see him . He has been my doctor for many years and has taken good care of me and my family he will be missed by myself and my family. My deepest condolences to the family of John swift
Joan & Ric Atchison, Byron Community Church
Dear Ellie and Family,
We were sad to hear the unexpected news about the passing of John. Even though we haven’t known him for very long, we have some good memories of our times with you both including the Cuckoos Nest. Our heartfelt condolences to you. May the Lord comfort you with the peace that passes understanding and may you be surrounded by the love of your family and friends.
Penny Mortley
Dear Eleanor and family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I remember John with affection and admiration. I was fortunate to have worked with him at Parkwood PCU and learned so much by his example. It pleased me that he shared my love of gardening as well. Such a generous and caring man.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Penny
Deborah Crowe
My sincere condolences to Ellie and family. John was an amazing man and I was so happy to have met him and had the privilege to work with him.
Andrea Pollard, RN, C7 LHSC
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Swift. I knew him for a short while during his brief illness, he expressed his deep love for his family. He was very gentle and kind. I felt honoured to care for him. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Hanna Romanowski
Dear Eleanor
My deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hanna Romanowski
Rich and Vanje Leavitt
We knew John at Byron Community Church, and remember warmly his extended hand of greetings and love on Sunday mornings. Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to you all.
Sincerely, Rich and Vanje Leavitt
Naomi McLeod
His kind a true rarity. Such a lovely man, so wonderfully compassionate. My thoughts, my prayers are for his family at this incredibly challenging time, no doubt a shock to everyone. It was a joy to know him. May he rest in the arms of the Lord.
Cindy Bueno
Ashley, Adam and Tristan
My prayers are with you at this time. I am praying you can physically feel Gods arms as they are wrapped around you. He is collecting each of your tears and wants to mend your broken hearts.
Elinore – I pray as you begin this new journey you trust God is walking beside you. You are NOT alone.
Love you all
Cindy and Marc
Anne Ballantyne
Dear Ellie,
I am so very saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a gentle and wonderful man of God. I have fond memories of him, one that includes a time when he was talking with a palliative patient about how the Bible is a good book. That sparked a conversation between us that made us realize we went to the same church. I will also remember him as the narrater at CBC’s Christmas production. He had started off reading John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” May you find comfort that John is eternally with the Lord. We are praying for you and your family.
David, Anne and Damian Ballantyne
John & Aline Quinn
We are very sorry to hear the passing of Dr. John Swift.
He was our doctor for a short time.
Please accept our condolences.
John and Aline Quinn
Cindy Dukeshire
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Swift. I had the pleasure of meeting him at Prince George R.R. I would see him in the halls of the retirement residence as he did his rounds, and he always had smile on his face. He was a very kind and caring man and will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Cindy,Nick and Cassie
Christine and Dennis Bordin
Dear Eleanor and Family
I certainly echo the many thoughts and remembrances expressed here by so many of us that knew and worked with John in Palliatve Care.
I remember an individual with an intelligent mind and great wit. John was remarkable in his tenacity, determination and conviction at working tirelessly for other’s benefit. I am thankful for having known him.
Surely there is a garden in heaven that will be made more lovely by John.
Our sincere condolences and sympathy at your all too soon loss .
Jane Gallimore
I was so shocked to hear that he is gone. I think of him often – he was so inspirational and there, always, for his patients and the staff who worked with him. He was a great physician and we learned so much from him about medicine and unconditional acceptance and genuine care.
My thought are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Brenda Swindell
Dear Eleanor, I am very sorry for your loss. Dr. Swift made such a huge difference in each of his patients lives with his caring, efficient, and unassuming manner. My cousin Kerry’s life was better just because of him.
With my sincere sympathy, Brenda Swindell
Angela Roberts
So saddened to read about the loss of Dr. Swift. He was such a kind and patient man. May God bless your family and care for your tender, broken hearts.
Donna Hentz (social worker)
I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Swift’s passing as I enjoyed him so much through our work at Parkwood Hospital. He was a wonderful man and his death is a great loss to his family and to the medical community. I remember you too Eleanor and wish you all the best in the future.
Charmaine Jones
As a former colleague of John’s in the palliative medicine field, I am deeply saddened to hear of his death. John and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but we did have many great conversations! My condolences to Eleanor and to John’s large extended family and to his current patients who will certainly miss him.
Robin Forsyth
Dearest Ellie and Family,
We are all devastated to hear of your loss. We all feel extremely blessed to have had the chance to know John as not only a co-worker, but a dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We take comfort in knowing that although John is not with us in person, he is with us in spirit.
Robin, Ben, Sofia, Sebastian, Daniella an Gabriella Forsyth
Rev. Pat Byrne
Eleanor,
Janette and I want to express our profound sadness at John’s sudden death and to assure you of our prayer and support. As a member of the palliative care team at Parkwood for many years, I witnessed first hand the embodiment of both medical expertise and an extraordinary gift of compassion in John’s practice. As a result, many patients felt safe during this most vulnerable part of their life journey. Our lives have been made rich by John’s dedication and we will miss him.
Brenda Moon
To the family of Dr. Swift,
It was with great sadness to hear the news of Dr. Swift’s passing. I introduced myself to him briefly while working at the Prince George R.R home . I know how highly he was respected by residents and staff alike . As I read these condolences , I can see what a wonderful contribution he gave to the profession of healthcare and family life which came for his very compassionate soul. My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Lois Sutton- Taylor
To Mrs Swift and all of Dr. Swift’s family. My husband=Robert P. Taylor was a patient of Dr. Swift at the Clinic at Wonderland and Oxford St. until Dr. Swift moved to Lucan. My husband passed on Feb. 18, 2016. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband enjoyed Dr. Swift as a doctor and as a wonderful human being. He will be sorely missed, but warmly remembered by so many. take care. Lois Sutton-Taylor
Jenn Kelley
Ellie & Family,
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of Dr. Swift’s passing. He definitely was the kindest gentleman that I have ever known. He definitely left his mark on the world and has touched so many people in so many ways. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this most difficult time. Heaven has definitely gained a special Angel!
Love: Jenn, Brian & Mitchell Kelley
Dr. Shel Joshi
Eleanor and Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Dr. Swift. I will always remember him as a very compassionate physician who was very dedicated to helping his patients. I learned a great deal from him as a student during my rotations in palliative care at Parkwood. Such a tragic loss for everyone that knew him.
Sincerely,
Dr. Shel Joshi
Ron and Heather Lehman
Dear Ellie,
We are so very sorry for your loss. John’s love for the Lord was so obvious to all by the beautiful smile he wore. You are loved Ellie and may you feel the comfort of our Lord in this very difficult time.
Love Ron and Heather Lehman
Paul Walker
Dear Fiona, David, and Andrew and families: I extend my condolences to you on the death of your father and trust that in the days, months, and years to come you might have the clarity and resources to find your way with grace and peace. My thoughts are with you all.
Dale & Joyce Downie
Eleanor
We are so very sorry to learn of Johns death. You were wonderful neighbors in Lambeth and we always enjoyed chatting with John as he walked the dog or worked on his gardens. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
Dale & Joyce Downie
Brenda Graham
Rosa
Dr Swift was an amazing man. He had great bed side manners. Took the time to talk. Never felt rushed. Caring and loving hands. I’m am going to miss Dr Swift so much. My love and prayers goes out to his family. To young too quick. John take your angle wings and wrap them around everyone we know in heaven. Amen.
Rose Marie Finlay
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Swift. He was a rock to me and my husband during the last few months of my husbands life. My thoughts and prayers are with the Swift family. May your memories give you peace. Rose Marie McGaw Finlay
Victoria Kreibich
When we got the message that Dr Swift had suddenly passed this afternoon and we were shocked. As I went into physiotherapy today in the same building they shared the ora of sadness you could tell. He was an amazing doctor and did not waste time to help his patients and get down to the point. The last time I saw him he had just come back from going out West to see his grand daughter and he had a huge smile on his face. He will be sadly missed by many of his patients. RIP dr Swift. Gone too soon
Suhalin abuhammam
Dr. Swift will truly be missed, I have been a patient of his for years along with my mother and sisters. We are all giving our condolences to his wife and children. You were truly an amazing person dr. Swift, very caring, patient, and kind. He was always happy with a smile on his face with a great attitude. You will be on our prayers and we will never forget everything that you have done for us. Rest in greatest peace.
Daniele Wiseman
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a fine man
Haley Pavey
John Swift was one of the kindest physicians I had the pleasure of knowing. He was always respectful and compassionate not only to his patients, but also the nurses. I learned many things in my years working alongside John. I also witnessed his kind heart as he cared for my father on the Palliative Care Unit, which many worked. He will be missed.
Mireille Daer
In my 32 years of nursing at LHSC, I had the honor and privilege of working with Dr. Swift as we opened the first palliative care beds at that facility until he left us after about 10 years. He was such a great mentor and colleague and we were always so proud to say he was our palliative care doc. He was always supportive of us and was missed dearly by all nurses after he left us….he sure leaves a lot of grieving people behind as family, friends, patients, ex-patients and colleagues will miss his company, warmth, knowledge and humour….
Sarah Meyer
Such a great man always so happy and caring and I will miss him dearly!!! He was my doctor and very easy to talk to and laugh with still completely shocked I send all my thoughts and prayers to his family! Touched so many lives xo
Hilda Abel (patient)
Dear Eleanor and family,
I was a patient of our Dr. Swift. He was not only my doctor, he was also my dear friend. He will be sadly missed by me and many, many more patients and friends. He will be one of the blessed with our Lord. My deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
Hilda Abel
Joan Hill
Dr. Swift was the most compassionate and caring Dr. I had the pleasure of working with for many years. He taught me so much about palliative care and EOL care. He will be sadly missed by all the coworkers, Drs. and patients his love, caring and compassionate has touched over the years. RIP Dr. Swift you will be missed.
Lena kuaryouti
I found out this afternoon that Dr Swift passed away by calling the office , i called to book an appointment , im so sad that i no longer will be in his care , i hope he rests in piece , may god help his wife , children family and friends , you will always be rememmberd and loved , i and my children will miss you so much !
Amal
So sorry to hear that I’m form Windsor my doughter Lena karyout I calld me crying when she heard he passed away told me best dr in London May God help his family firm all karyouti family
Patricia Landriault RPN
It was with great pleasure I would do weekly rounds with Dr Swift at Prince George R.R.
To watch he as he would with each resident , sit down beside them, and talk to them regarding their needs and concerns.
Take as much time as they needed with him, not hurried no matter how many he was to see.
For those he knew who followed faith he would always end the visit with may God bless you.
I will miss the time I spent with this gentle man and Doctor, as will many others
Audrey Taylor
Hello. My dear mother had the privilege of being in the care of Dr. Swift. My mother had been misdiagnosed in my home town so I literally put her in my car and drove to London praying God would have her looked after. Well an angel walked into her hospital room and that angel was Dr. Swift. By the time he saw her, my mom was dying of pancreatic cancer. He immediately went to work, to ease my mom’s suffering by trying to manage her pain. All my life I have been so very grateful for Dr Swift coming into our lives. The world truly has lost a very special man.
With deepest respect,
Audrey Taylor, Sarnia, Ontario
Jean Walmsley
Dearest Eleanor. Sadness and surprise with John’s so sudden passing.. For sure he will be at the head of the line on entering heaven given the work he so ably did to heal souls as well as bodies. Ken and I are preparing for our son Scott’s Celebration of Life on Saturday this week and interment tomorrow. It is indeed another world than the one we are used to walking. So many kind and supportive friends help to ease the path to some degree. We had time to prepare for Scott’s passing but John’s was so sudden that i am sure it has left you in a state of suspension for a while. We will hold you in our prayers and will plan to see you at the service next week. One thing I know for sure…….that when you and we go, we will be welcomed at the gate by those who have lovesd us so dearly. I am so sorry that I did not get to see you and many others at the reunion last June due to illness. In Loving Arms. Jean and Ken Walmsley
Rev. James and Olive Weller
Sincere condolences to Eleanor and the Family!
Our hearts were saddened at the passing of OUR DOCTOR and cherished friend – John Swift. Seldom in life does one find such a compassionate, kind and understanding person. His Christian character was unwavering.
His personal support and encouragement of our Bible ministry was greatly appreciated! Revelation 14:13
Our prayer is the Lord will comfort and sustain you during this difficult time of bereavement.
Funds have been donated for the purchase of Bibles in his honor. They will serve as a lasting memory of his life.
Rev. James and Olive Weller
Ministry to Russia and Eastern Europe
London,Ontario
Revelation 14:13
Barb McDougall (Moore)
Dear Eleanor,
John was such an inspiration to me as I learned to care for palliative care patients. His patients came first and for that I am so grateful.
Please accept my condolences for you & all of your family.
My thoughts & prayers are with each person who had the pleasure to know John.
Joan Picken
Eleanor and family, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved husband. John was one of my very favourite people at Parkwood and especially when I volunteered in the Palliative Care Unit. We worked together for many years and he was always such an inspiration to me in how he related to the patients. He will be sorely missed by not only is family but by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him over the years. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
He was one in a million!!!!
Joan burdock
My dear Eleanor. I am so shocked and saddened at hearing of johns death, it is difficult to believe. Many memories are entering my mind today of our work together. He was always there to advise and be helpful. You and John hosted many parties for co workers at your lovely home in Lambeth
May God give you strength and comfort at this time
Dr. Cathy Faulds
I am at a loss for words as I learned of Dr. Swift’s death……a mentor, a peer in palliative care, a friend and just a really wonderful person who gave selflessly to others. I am very grateful that our paths on earth passed and wish his family my best wishes at this time of loss.
Kerri hamacher
Ellie and family.
Alyx and I are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our prayers.
Kerri
Carol Gurr
Dear dear sister Ellie.
Our hearts are heavy with this news. John will be so missed by many. What a lovely man of God and we are comforted knowing he is with his Saviour. We are praying and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Lots of love and many hugs
Kevin and Carol Gurr
Betty Tucker
I am so very deeply saddened by the death of my hero! I worked with Dr. Swift for 13 years as his personal administrative assistant. Those were the best years of my career. The knowledge, compassion and kindness he showed so many families in palliative care are not measurable. He worked 24/7 and followed his patients from start to finish. We really have lost someone so very special. My heartfelt sympathy to Eleanor and the family.