In Celebration of

Roy Swanson, Ph.D.

December 1, 1933 -  March 22, 2023


Peacefully, in his 90th year, on Wednesday afternoon, March 22, 2023.

Roy is survived by: his loving wife, Kathryn (nee Horner), of 66 years; his children: Eric (Cindy), Carol (the late Phil), Sonia (Gil), Steven (Anna), and Paul (Victoria); his grandchildren: Lauren (Craig), Holly, Magnus, Myles, Stephanie, Adèle, Rhéanna, and Lauriève; and his great-granddaughter, Everleigh. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Astrid (Edgren) and Oscar; and his sisters, Lois (Thibodeau) and Beverly (Dalton).

Roy was born in Dryden, Ontario. As a young man, he attended Port Arthur Collegiate Institute and graduated valedictorian. Becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets instilled a lifelong love of aviation. Roy trained as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After a few years of courting, Roy married Kathryn Horner on August 31, 1956, a relationship that lasted 70 years. Roy and Kathy moved to England to pursue his post graduate studies, as an Athlone Fellow at the Cranfield College of Aeronautics. Roy went on to graduate with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto, class of 1963.

Roy's career in aerospace engineering included working at de Havilland, Spar Aerospace, Colt Industries and Canadair, where he was heavily involved with the design and production of the Challenger aircraft series. During his career, Roy and Kathy lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mississauga, Ontario, where they raised their five children: three sons, Eric, Steven and Paul, and twin daughters, Carol and Sonia.

Roy and Kathy travelled extensively, particularly during the years Roy was a member of the National Defense Council. Ultimately, they visited a total of 101 countries and 7 continents. Once retired, Roy gave lectures on astronomy aboard cruise ships. Roy was also active with the University of Toronto Aeronautical Society and gave lectures.

Roy and Kathy loved tennis and volunteered for decades at the annual Rogers Cup in Toronto. Roy earned ACTRA credentials and achieved an impressive volume of print work and background assignments in movies, television and commercials. Roy and Kathy continued to travel into well their eighties. Roy's later years were spent devoted to Kathy and spending time together, with their children and their grandchildren whom he felt so blessed to have.

Roy was a sophisticated man. He always took the high road and was extremely generous his entire life. He taught his children the value of a good work ethic by example. He was dependable and always emphasized excellence. Roy was a man of many passions, namely, aerospace engineering, astronomy, travel, education, and classical music. He was high-spirited, optimistic, and he showed great poise and perseverance when facing life's challenges. He taught his children and grandchildren to always believe that they could become whatever they wanted, and he inspired them to find their passions in life.

Roy's finest quality was how he loved Kathy. He always spoke about how incredibly fortunate he was to have had such a wonderful life partner and how blessed he was to have enjoyed good health, a loving family, and to have lived more than 89 years. Roy was immensely grateful for his life's good fortunes, and he loved celebrating milestones, both small and large, with a toast of champagne. Roy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. (Job well done, Dad!)

Friends may visit at Turner & Porter - Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga (Hwy #10 at QEW) on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens, North York.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Roy's memory to the Air Cadet League of Canada: an organization that inspires and brings opportunities to Canada's future aviators, at www.aircadetleague.com/donate/ 613-729-1941.

Online condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca.

Guestbook 

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Chris Malicki (astronomy friend)

Entered March 25, 2023 from Mississauga

I met Roy at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Mississauga Centre where we were both members. Roy gave some very interesting presentations to the club including terraforming of Venus. He loved the opera piece "Song of the Moon" from Rusalka. I once had an argument with him as to the composer and we bet a bottle of wine. Of course, Roy won the bet and I presented him with a bottle of red wine at the next meeting of the club. He was an excellent lecturer and intelligent, likable individual. Condolences to the family. I found out about his passing from the Toronto Star.
Chris Malicki, Councillor RASC Mississauga Cente,

David Herlick (Long ago accountant)

Entered March 25, 2023 from Toronto

My condolences to Kathy on the passing of Roy.I and my late wife Lorraine held Roy in the greatest admiration of his talents.Although it has been many years since I have spoken or have seen Roy In have often thought about Roy an Kathie and wish Kathie the best in the years to come.

Anne Bush (Friend)

Entered March 26, 2023 from Mississauga

Sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to all of the family, especially Kathy! God bless you all!

Barbara Morton (Friend of Carol Swanson)

Entered March 26, 2023 from Toronto

Carol. My sincere condolences to you, your mother and siblings on the death of your father.
Love & blessings, Barbara

Wanda Restivo (fellow volunteer with Tennis Canada)

Entered March 29, 2023 from Scarborough

The Earth has tilted on it's axis with the loss of Roy. I have volunteered with Tennis Canada for over 45 years and there are very few that leave an impression like Roy. I was lucky enough to meet Kathy as well. He was one of our drivers on the Transportation team. In the dictionary under "gentleman" there should be a photo of Roy. We had many conversations over the years and I had no idea he was an aeronautical engineer. There were so many other topics to cover. Roy and Kathy were a fixture on site. Their bond was incredible. Truly the couple we all want to be. Smiling, friendly, humble, charming, witty and not to mention a great looking couple (no wonder the camera loved them). When Roy decided to "retire" from our committee it was a loss. He was so dependable and able to think on his feet and trouble shoot. He was our "go to" driver and he never let us down. He was very much missed.
I want to send my deepest condolences to Kathy and family. He did live an amazing life with a loving family but the pain is real no matter how well the person lived.
Wanda

Photos 

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