Tribute

Fred became an angel on September 15^th, 2020, he was in his 66^th year.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Leighan and children, Sheila (Clint), Sherry, Jenny (Trevor), Shannon (Dustin) and Scott (Rosie).  He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Bailey, Brock, Casey, Chloe, Tanner and Lindsay.  Fred also leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Susan (Russell), Wesley (Jennifer), Donna (Ted), Patricia (Dale), Frances, Billy (Shelley), Leland and many nieces and nephews.

Fred was born in Portage La Prairie Manitoba to Bill & Irene Swain (predeceased), he was their second born child of a family of eight children.  Fred learned early to work hard and laugh lots.  The Swain family moved to the Cowichan Valley in 1966 where Fred would enjoy his early years with his life long friend John Trottier.  Hunting, fishing, Coors Light and smiling at pretty girls would lead him to his first love Patricia (predeceased) and the joys of parenthood with three beautiful daughters to follow.

Fred revelled in being a parent and teaching his girls about nature, camping, sports, the importance of family, friendships and having a good time with a good laugh.

Later on in years Fred met his second love Leighan and gained another daughter and son.  Soon he would be enriching all their lives with his values, sense of humor, determination, hard work and the ethics of love.

Always a Nascar cap on his head and a stanfield on his back, the smell of chopped firewood the love of a faithful dog by his side, and a Coors in hand as he would reflect on drywall stories, or another great hunting story, which were told many times, but we loved to hear them each and every time.

Fred loved and was so proud of all his children and grandchildren for who they were, who they became or were becoming.  He loved each one for their individuality.  A proud Dad & Grandpa whether sitting watching them play baseball, horseback riding, football or hockey and even being their coach where he influenced many young people with his work ethics and love for life.

Fred was a Master Drywaller and was known as Hillcrest Drywall and prided himself as being “The Best”.  He became friends with many in the construction industry and was very respected by his peers. He also mentored many during his career including brothers, son, son-in-laws and a few fledging nephews and young men.  Big Wes and Chad in later years. 

Fred was all about sports and he played hockey in his early days at a Junior B level earning the nickname “Fearless Freddy” and later in life coached many youths in Duncan Minor Hockey Club along with Big Mike.

Fred enjoyed and made many more friends playing slow pitch with his team Hillcrest Drywall.  A good game, lots of laughs and a cold beer with friends afterwards, but his passion in life was hunting and Nascar.  A Dale Earnhardt look alike with a passion to match.  A race was not to be missed or at least taped.  Fred travelled to many Nascar races and his family learned to love the motorsport of Nascar.

His love for hunting was part of his soul. He was a member of the Lake Cowichan Fish & Game Club for more that 40 years and shared his passion of hunting with family and friends.  An oil canvas wall tent, a good hike, a bit of fishing, a bear, elk, moose, dear, sheep for the freezer to share with family and friends later, was a good hunting trip with brothers, Billy, Wes, PeeWee, Scotty, son-in-law Clint and Fred’s buddies Dennis Cronin (predeceased), Wesley Elzinga and many others.

Fred’s dream was to semi retire in the north country.  Six years ago Fred, with Leighan’s support of fullfilling his dream bought 4 acres and built their dream home with the construction knowledge and help from a long time friend  Jock Camplair in 150 Milehouse.  Unfortunately his dream of hunting and fishing in wide open spaces was cut short because of health issues that plagued him in the last few years.  So they moved back to Vancouver Island to be with family and friends and make a new home.

A man with his hat on his head a “hey bub” on his lips and “I love you my girl” or “ I love you my boy and “I love my wifey”, always a smile and a laugh in his voice, a cold Coors Light in hand and a sparkle in his brilliant blue eyes.  Freddy peacefully and quietly left this earth in his sleep, and leaves behind those whom he loved so much to miss him for all eternity.

               Fred you are the love of my life and my everything.

                     Love You Always Leighan (your wifey)

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

His family would like to thank his doctors and nurses for their care and compassion over the last few years.

Donations can be made in Fred’s memory to the B.C Cancer foundation

or a charity that is important and meaningful to yourself in his memory.