Obituary of Wayne George Swinimer

It is with profound sadness we the family of Wayne George Swinimer of Windsor Forks, Nova Scotia, announce the heartbreaking news that he passed away with family by his side on August 16, 2023.

Born and raised in Dartmouth, Wayne was a son of the late James and Hazel (Sawlor) Swinimer.

The family would like to recognize this remarkable man, sharing a few of his great accomplishments and all he has given to his community and family over his entire life. 

Having joined the volunteer ranks of the Dartmouth Fire Department back in 1964 he was shortly after hired as a full-time career firefighter for the city. During his career he trained, studied and progressed to the rank of Captain, he held that rank and of acting Platoon Chief until retirement in 1996. Wayne had a huge passion for the fire service and devoted an impressive 60 active years, he loved it so much that while still working as a career firefighter he joined the Windsor Fire Department as a volunteer in 1988 and held the ranks of, driver, lieutenant, Captain, fire inspector and high rank of Deputy Chief for many years, serving on the executive and many committees along with being instrumental in the creation of the Colour Party, throughout this time. More recently Wayne also dedicated many volunteer hours to the West Hants Fire Service after he was appointed to form a new substation and to recruit a volunteer membership to serve the Three Mile Plains and surrounding areas. Previous to this he was a key executive member in the creation of the Southwest Hants Fire Service building, a substation for the Windsor Fire Department. Wayne was a member of the St. Michael’s Anglican Church as an assistant warden, in his limited spare time he loved to golf and was a member of the Bluenose Golf Club in Lunenburg. He was also a Mason and proud member of Welsford Lodge No. 26 AF & AM, Windsor, where he rose to the rank of Master.

Wayne was a man of many talents, from a successful business owner, farmer, expert gardener, mechanic, carpenter, woodworker, hunter and outdoorsmen, chef and entrepreneur, he was a certified scuba diver, an expert in tying knots, he had so many hobbies and loved trying new ones, from painting, wine making, built his own smoker, all while picking up his guitar every now and then hoping to awaken his hidden musical talent. Wayne and his loving wife Debbie Swinimer ran a thriving convenience store, laundromat and deli / take-out for over 13 Years.  This business, D&W Swinimer’s is still thriving today under new ownership. Locally known as D and Dubs, or “Swine-a-mers”. Wayne had perfected and passed on the curation of the donair along with his special sauce, you certainly won’t find a better tasting donair anywhere. Wayne loved to garden, tinker in his garage, and raise his laying hens. But more importantly he loved to give back, he planted a vegetable garden big enough so family and friends and most of Ray Port Campground had their fair share and of course no short supply of eggs either. In recent years he spent much quality time with his grandson Mitchel teaching and sharing his passion and incredible talent for gardening. One of his biggest gardening accomplishments was growing a 700-pound giant Howard Dill pumpkin. Wayne spent countless hours being a great provider, mentor, family man, volunteer and was an all-around great community minded contributor.

Favourite memories include hunting, travelling, road trips, his wife and him cruising the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas with Dave and Jessie Dacey along with many golfing rounds with his buddy Dave, and camping where he made many wonderful friends.

Wayne was blessed to have very loyal neighbours Ron and Serena McNeil for over 30 years.

Wayne was a friend to so many, he leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Deborah Swinimer and his beloved pets, Molly and Callie; children, Wayne (Marie), Margaret (Robin), Mark (Tammy), Todd (Melissa), Angela (Corey), Ryan (Marietta); grandchildren, Mitchel (Morgan), Bryan (Allie), Luc, Maguire, Brody, Carly, Kris (Jacqueline), Kaela, Kassandra (Chad), Katrina, Nicole (Joel), Victoria, Jamie, Tyler and Kyle; great grandchildren, Emerie, Erica, Waylon, Kaia,  Logan, Khloe, Daniel, Dante; siblings, Jim and Caroline “Pat” (Ron “Mick”); brother-in-law, Chris (Debbie) and sister-in-law, Charlene “Scotty” and many nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his brother, Peter; sisters, Florence and Olive (Mort); his in-laws, Donald and Connie Langille; brother in-laws, Carman and Brian; sister-in law, Joan; and several nephew and nieces.

The family would like to pass on their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Schep, nurses and staff of the Valley Regional Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A service celebrating Wayne’s life will be held 2 p.m., Monday, August 21 in the funeral home chapel, WFD Chaplain Rev. Bill Gibson officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home’s Elmcroft Reception Centre. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the St. Michael’s Anglican Church, c/o Rectory and Office, 76 Old Halifax Road West, Three Mile Plains, NS B0N 2T0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca