Edward (Ted) David Swift

Ted Swift (Edward David Swift): Obituary

It is with great sadness, but also much relief that our family announces the passing of Edward David Swift, mostly remembered as “Ted Swift,” on the 31st of May (2024) at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, Ontario in his 81st year. Youngest son of Albert Edward Swift and Margaret Marjorie Swift (née Bell, both deceased), husband of Catherine Elizabeth Swift and father of Temple Catherine Swift, (son-in-law, Steven Dohnt) and Ember Elizabeth Swift. He also leaves behind grandsons Braxton Dohnt (16), Brodric Dohnt (10) and Topaz Swift (10) as well as granddaughter Echo Swift (12). 

Throughout the past 9 years, he has struggled against cancer and he put up a good fight! He will be greatly missed, but remembered for his many accomplishments in the arts as a professor, teacher, education coordinator, wood and stone craftsman, avid car collector and private visual arts creator. After retirement from the Halton Board of Education and the Oxford Board of Education, he served his community with the Rotary Club (Woodstock) and the Lion’s Club (Coboconk). He is credited with the establishment of the Vernon LeCraw Historical Forest in Norland (Ontario), forever designating that Government Dock Road tract of land to the veteran, historian and writer of “The Land Between.” He was also responsible for introducing the bears to Norland through the Horticultural Society, which now adorn many corners and parks in the community. 

In the past few years, he’s been known to say: “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve travelled the world, worked with remarkably talented people, been lucky enough to be recognized for my work, and encountered many inspiring and gifted students. I’ve driven race cars, I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China, I’ve discovered the joy of working with children, and watching my grandchildren with pride as they become blossoming adults. I have no regrets.” 

We are so grateful that he is no longer in pain.

Please enjoy these poetic words of comfort:

He is Just Away

*******************
I cannot say and I will not say,
That he is dead—he is just away!
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair,
It’s needs must be since he lingers there
And you—oh you , who the wildest yearn,
For the one time step and the glad return:
I think of him fairing on, as dear,
In the life of there as the life of here.
I think of him still as the same I say—,
He is not dead—he is just away!

Original Poem by James Whitcomb Riley