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James Richard "Rick" Swan
April 29, 1949 - November 27, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">It is with great sadness that the family of James Richard &ldquo;Rick&rdquo; Swan announces his sudden passing on November 27, 2015 at Dartmouth General Hospital, at the age of 66. <br /><br />Born in Glace Bay on April 29, 1949, Rick was the son of the late James and Mina (Jollymore) Swan. <br /><br />Rick excelled as a student at Dartmouth High School. He continued his studies at Mount Allison University, graduating in 1970 with a B.Sc., and in 1972 from Dalhousie University with a B.Ed.<br />Following in his Dad&rsquo;s footsteps, Rick also became a teacher. He enjoyed a 33 year career teaching sciences at Dartmouth High. Rick had an inquisitive mind and a passion for learning, understanding, and teaching. His scientific curiosity ranged from the basic to the most complex concepts in physics, chemistry, and astronomy. Science was part of his everyday life, and he delighted in animated conversations with friends that were soon over their heads. Always he was teaching and making understanding fun.<br /><br />During his teaching career, Rick was very active with the Nova Scotia Teachers&rsquo; Union, holding local positions from Treasurer to President.<br /><br />Rick, better known as Mad Dog, loved to manage and support the high school hockey team. He aggressively played street hockey with anyone who loved to battle &ndash; bloodied and bruised meant a great time!<br /><br />Rick&rsquo;s leadership role continued with his involvement in Scouts Canada. As his sons progressed through cubs and scouts, Rick participated as a leader in Lake Echo. After his retirement in 2005, he dedicated many hours and effort to the Camp Harris Scout Camp in Mineville. Whether volunteering as Camp Registrar or wielding a chain saw, Rick was there with enthusiasm.<br /><br />Rick bought the 1st Gold Wing in Nova Scotia (and kept it for a week!), and after trying 10 more models, settled on his exceptional &rsquo;86 Virago &ndash; still humming. He passed on his love of bikes to his sons at an early age. They have fond memories of grease and bike parts in the barn, as they worked to keep the machines alive. <br /><br />Rick obsessively collected, re-sorted and recycled metal, except for someone else&rsquo;s junk that he knew could be repurposed by friends or restored by Warren.<br /><br />Summers have always been spent at the family cottage at Brule Point, Tatamagouche. His heart was filled with sweet memories of times with family and friends. He cooked a mean lobster.<br /> <br />Rick was infamous for his raging bonfires; he was the Bonfire King of Brule Point. Many an evening was enjoyed watching the incredibly beautiful sunsets on the water, sharing the crazy stories and music around the fires, and gazing at the night skies. <br /><br />Rick loved life. But it was a deep connection and commitment to people that drove him. He developed lasting, lifelong, rock solid bonds and friendships with classmates, students, colleagues, and so many others he met along his way. He made time to chat, to laugh, to help. There was always a project on the go and one in the wings. Rick applied his ingenuity and sometimes crazy &ldquo;McIvor&rdquo; solutions &ndash; whatever it took to get her done. <br /><br />For Rick, his family trumped everything he held dear. He is survived by his wife Marilyn of 45 years and his sons, Andrew and David; sister Judy (Aubrey) Sawler, Bowmanville ; brother Rayne, Dartmouth; and his many brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews. Rick had a warm, close knit extended family.<br /><br />Our loss is beyond words.<br /><br />Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life - The NO TIE Event - will be held Friday December 4th from 2:00 to 4:00 at Atlantic Funeral Homes, 771 Main Street, Dartmouth.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Scouts Canada - Camp Harris. Online condolences may be made by visiting the website: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. (Dartmouth Chapel)<br /></div>