SWAN, Peter Michael

Requiescat in pace Peter Michael Swan. Michael was born on October 4, 1931 and passed away on April 24, 2021. Michael was born in the village of Kennedy, SK. His mother was Jean Carolyn (Dodd) Swan, his father Peter White Swan. Jean was born in 1901 near Wawota, Northwest Territories, his father in Coatbridge, Scotland. Jean had been a school teacher, and later became a flourishing music teacher and community leader. Peter ran a many-sided real estate and insurance business in Kennedy and environs. Michael's greatest childhood pleasures were fishing and golfing with his parents and sister Judy, centered on the "Swan Sanctuary" cottage overlooking Kenosee Lake.

By rare fortune Michael was able to begin the study of Latin in Kennedy's two-room high school, where he formed a passion for the language that would lead one day to degrees in Classics from the University of Saskatchewan (BA, MA) and Harvard University (PhD). This passion led to a lifelong career teaching Greek, Latin and ancient history in the U of S for 40 years, where he retired as Professor Emeritus of History. His research focus was on the Roman History of Cassius Dio. On this he edited books authored by others, published articles and reviews, and wrote a book titled The Augustan Succession (Oxford University Press, 2004). He was proudest of this book, of his teaching, for which he was awarded the U of S designation Master Teacher in 1989, and of his role as a co-founder of the University's Museum of Antiquities. He held several administrative posts, including seven years as Assistant Dean of Arts and Science.

In 1954 Michael married Margaret Kovach, an excellent primary teacher he met in his home town. She was destined to be his yokemate for over 60 years and mother of his 3 children, all professional musicians. Michael deemed himself lucky to have had a wife who loved him through thick and thin, children of beautiful mind and character, as well as loving parents and, in John W and Julia Kovach, loving parents-in-law.

Michael is survived by his wife Margaret; sister-in-law Grace Tamke (Eric); son David, with wife Meyoung and son Enoch; son Michael, with co-parent Karen and children Rebecca (son Ronin), David, Tabitha (Chris and children Darrion, Deanin, Isabelle and Jaiden), Samson (Justine), Michael, Luke (Brittainy), Nigel (Josie and son Herschel); daughter Kleis, with husband Sean and sons James and Daniel. He was predeceased by his parents Peter White Swan and Jean Carolyn Swan (nee Dodd), sister Judy Biberdorf, and his granddaughter Lydia (daughter of David and Meyoung).

A Funeral Service is being planned. Details will follow at a later time. Donations may be directed to Autism Canada (140 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5C 1X6). Funeral arrangements in care of David Schurr - Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200 www.mourningglory.ca