R. Daniel Swansburg

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SWANSBURG, Robert Daniel. It is with great sorrow and for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of a great husband, father, grampie, son and brother, Dan Swansburg, at the age of 71 years, at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, NS, on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Born in Sandy Point, Dan became an early Christmas present for his parents Merton Swansburg and the late Dorothy (Ringer) Swansburg.
Dan grew up in a small fishing community of Little Harbour, going herring fishing with his grandfather and lobster fishing with his dad, but knowing he did not want a life in fishing, he sought out further education by obtaining a BA from Dalhousie University and a B Ed from St. Mary’s University. Two years of teaching was more than enough for him. He entered the Insurance industry and spent 38 years doing what he liked and enjoyed and was good at mainly Marine insurance focusing on fishing boats. His job took him to many fishing ports in Atlantic Canada as well as numerous trips overseas to the UK and France.
Dan married the love of his life Brenda in 1976 and they spent 47 wonderful years together, raising two very smart daughters. Dan had a unique sense of humour and believed most serious conversations could be tempered with a bit of laughter. He also believed in giving back to the community. He spent many years in Kinsmen and K-40 and was privileged to have been elected a Life Member. He served on the South Queens Chamber of Commerce executive and was instrumental in helping to get the two large murals painted in Liverpool. More recently, he volunteered at the Red Cross in Bridgewater. Like his dad and grandfather, he was a True Blue Tory, having served on both local, provincial and federal party executives. He was the oldest of four brothers and he did his best to set the bar low, because limbo is more fun than high jump.
Dan enjoyed playing golf and, although he was never great at it, he managed to score 5 holes in one. When he retired, he once again got into the hunting scene with family and friends, never quite succeeding at getting the elusive deer or goose, but he sure had fun trying. Dan was also a great lover of music of all kinds and loved to dance. One of his favorites was Cobwebs and Dust by Gordon Lightfoot. Please have a listen. His motto was “It is not the cards you are dealt, but how you played the hand”.
Surviving besides wife Brenda (McNamara) are his daughters Melissa (Adam) Boland of Hammonds Plains, Karla (Frank) Power of Fort McMurray, AB, as well as his cherished grandchildren Lila and Ethan Boland and Paddy and Kelton Power. His brothers Richard (Lorna) of Lockeport, Lester (Rebecca) of Pleasant Point and Roger (Wanda) of Little Harbour.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. In keeping with Dan’s wishes there will be no visitation. A celebration of Dan’s life will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Chandlers’ Funeral Chapel, Liverpool. Reverend Neil McEwan officiating. Reception to follow. Burial will take place at a later date. No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Bridgewater Red Cross. Online condolences may be made below.