William Herbert, G/C, DSO, DFC Swetman
August 30, 2014
Peacefully in London, Ontario, on Saturday, August 30, 2014 in his 95th year. Beloved husband of Katherine Swetman and the late Kathleen Swetman (1974). Loving father of Robert Swetman (Carole), Anne Heary (John) and step-father of Susan Gardiner (Richard). Dear grandfather of nine. Predeceased by his siblings Gordon Swetman and Marylyn Rea, and step-daughter Anne Barker (John). Bill was the third Commanding Officer of the 426 Thunderbird Squadron, a survivor of 53 bombing missions during WWII, who continued with a career in the RCAF until his retirement in 1967. He ended his professional career as the Business Administer for Havergal College in Toronto. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. where the Royal Canadian Air Force and memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of William are asked to consider their charity of choice.
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Our sincere condolences to the W. Swetman Family members. Bill will always be remembered and it was a pleasure and honour to have known him. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Gisela and Manfred Brunotte
May I offer my condolences to the Swetman family at this very difficult time. Mr. Swetman to me always will be the gentleman that gave me the opportunity to work at Havergal College and 42 years later I am still there. An honorable, considerate and fair man. I speak of him often with great admiration. Mr. Swetman may you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with the family at this time. Glenn and Cathy Atkinson
To the family of William Herbert Swetman - my deepest condolences. I did not know your dad, but I have cut out his obituary from the Globe and Mail because my father, Herbert Donald Harris, was also a member of Thunderbird Squadron 426 as wireless operator. I will place the obit in my dad's log book. I hope you are in the possession of the photograph of the Squadron seated in front of the Lancaster bomber. My dad is sitting in the front row, legs crossed, big smile on his face. When I unpack the photo (we are in the process of moving to Ontario), I will look for William. I wear the Thunderbird emblem on bracelets and a necklace almost as a totem for myself. They were very brave men. I know my dad was very proud of his involvement with 426, and, as a result of his involvement, he met my mother in Scotland. Again, my deepest sympathy, Yours truly, Paula Harris
My dad, Fl.Lt. Jimmy J Devan was Bill's Flight Engineer during WWII . Together, they completed two tours of duty with "426 Thunderbird Squadron". A remarkable feat in itself. My father died when I was only 8 years old and, as is often the case, our family knew very little about his wartime experiences. I began to do some research back in 2005, and that's when I found Bill. I wrote him a letter and we've been in touch ever since. My husband, Howard, and I visited with Bill & Kathy a few times through the years and even had the privilege of attending a "426 Reunion" with Bill & Kathy, Bob & Carole. What a treat that was. I was exceedingly glad to get to know Bill through the years and equally glad to learn a good deal about my father in the process. I'm so thankful to have had Bill in my life and I can't believe I won't get to hear his lovely voice again. Bill, you were a wonderful man; gentle, kind, strong and brave. I will remember you with a smile for the rest of my life. You were indeed one of "the finest"! On behalf of both myself and my dad (whom you brought home safely from every single sortie) ... "Thank You"!
Bob & Anne....Deepest sadness at the passing of your father. I do remember you all well, and wish God's grace and comfort to continue to be with you and your families. Michael Poole (Our common ground was Goose Bay where my dad, Capt. Francis Poole, was the Harbourmaster). It would be nice to hear from you.
Our sincere condolences to Robert and Anne on the death of your father. We just learned of it today. We have many fond memories of Slemon Park at RCAF Station Summerside in the mid-1950s, especially the snowball fights and snowforts behind your house at #1. We lived across the street at #3 and the sons of W/C Lutes (CAdO) were at #2. Our father (S/L David L. "Bud" Quinn) was Station Armament Officer. He retired in 1962 after 28 years in the RCAF and he died in 1993. The good and the brave of the Great Generation are now all leaving us. We all owe them a great debt of gratitude for their sacrifices. Your father was well-liked and a positive influence on the base. I can remember my father saying that he was one of the best COs that he ever worked under. We are saddened to hear of his passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Bob and Anne I just stumbled across your dad's obit. My belated condolences. My thoughts are often on our dad's Sacrifices at such a young age. Your dad was a true hero and an exceptional leader. My dad passed away in 1998 and my mom in 2014. We've had full lives since I last saw you circa 1963. May your dad rest in the arms of the angels.
Memories
At this solemn and sad occasion my heartfelt condolences for the family of mr. William swetman. His dedication and heroic sacrifice is shining example for all. A great man's life we'll lived.
~ Ali Bose