Swainson, Philip Roy

November 30, 1923 — April 28, 2011

SWAINSON, P. Roy

 Passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the age of 87 years.  Survived by his loving wife Betty; four sons: Clem Swainson (Katie) of Rocky Mountain House, AB, Jim Swainson (Vickie) of Red Deer, AB, Bill Swainson of Calgary, AB, Donald Swainson of Red Deer, AB, mother of his sons Margaret, four grandchildren: Tara, Jeffrey, Leigh and Jamie; one great grandson James; two step sons: David John (Joan) of Victoria, BC, Stephen John (Leslie) of Nanaimo, BC; three brothers: Stanley, Bryan and Jack; four sisters: Gerry, Helen, Pearl and Winnifred as well as extended family.  Predeceased by two brothers, Alfred and Dick and grandson Cameron.  Roy led an extraordinary, adventurous and successful life.  He started out at a very young age maintaining a trap line over two winters west of Rocky Mountain House.  He went on to join the Royal Canadian Navy at the tender age of 17 years old when the 2^nd World War broke out.  He served his country very proudly in the Naval Air Arm on the North Atlantic as a pilot and navigator.  He received an honourable discharge in 1946 as a Lieutenant.  Roy then went on to farm west of Red Deer for several years, raising turkeys and hogs.  He moved on from that to many different ventures including those as an oilman, realtor, real estate developer, construction company owner, mining speculator, prospector among other ventures.  The ultimate project for Roy was prospecting and seeing the Brussioff Baymag Mine through to production in 1982.  He was the longest subscriber to the Northern Miner, receiving it for nearly 60 years.  Roy was also an avid hunter – teaching his sons a deep respect for firearms at a very young age.  When Roy and Betty retired they bought a house in Desert Hot Springs which they enjoyed for approximately 20 years.  We will all remember Roy for his one of a kind personality and enduring character.  He will hold a special place in our hearts and memories forever.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 24^th at 11:00 am at the Royal Canadian Legion-Branch #288, Westbank, BC with Chaplain Ron Watson officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Westbank Legion, #6-2525 Dobbin Road, Westbank, BC, V4T 2G1 (250-768-4330) or Central Okanagan Hospice Association – Hospice House, 2035 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.