Robin William Bell Swallow died peacefully on March 30, 2022, at the age of 81.
He was born in 1940 in Eastriggs, Scotland, to John and Peggy (Bell) Swallow. At age 15, Robin joined the Royal Air Force and served in England and Germany. He immigrated to Montreal in 1966 to work with Canadian Marconi Company as a quality control engineer and later became a business manager for its union. Robin studied at McGill and went on to build a successful career in aerospace. A job with Telesat Canada brought him and his young family to Ottawa in 1987, and sent him around the world to work on satellite launches. In retirement he was a minor hockey convenor in Gloucester, sailed thousands of miles to remote parts of Polynesia, became a proficient tax preparer, walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela twice, and made frequent trips to Chile, Scotland, and Washington DC to visit his family.
Robin loved whistling with the birds, gazing at the stars, making people laugh, and his family. He enjoyed music, traveling, politics, and engaging in interesting conversations. Robin will be lovingly remembered by his wife Claudette Carrière, son Yan and his wife Karla, grandchildren Amelia and Tristan, siblings Betty and Nigel (Sylvia), sister-in-law Pierrette (Eddy), nieces and nephews, Janet (Nick), Alexis (David), Ewan (Krystle), Lewis, Myriam and Caroline (Pete), and some very good friends.
A celebration of Robin's life will take place Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 1:00pm at Beechwood National Memorial Centre. This is a celebration, so please wear any color you like! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors without Borders/Médecins sans Frontières.
Digital Guestbook
Paul Silke
JOHN GORDON
John has known Robin since primary school and remembers him as a friend throughout the many years. They were in the Scouts together and went to Ben Nevis on a camping trip. They met in London when Robin was in the RAF.There are so many memories that John remembers but Robin was someone who John holds in the highest esteem. He was a true Scot.
George Nawar
So long, Robin. It's been a long time but you left us with long-lasting memories of someone with the highest level of integrity and most positive outlook on life..
Nos plus sincères condoléances, Claudette. Nous savons la place privilégiée que tu occupais dans son coeur.
Georges et Christiane
Katie Simms
Dear Claudette and Yan,
My heart is filled with sadness at Robin's passing. I will never forget Robin and his kind, fun-loving spirit - and yes, walking in the Ontario woods, his whistle with the birds! Robin, you are remembered so dearly.
Katie
Régine et Nicole
Toutes nos condoléances Claudette, Yan, Carla et les petits-enfants. Claudette, nous souhaitons que tu puisses retrouver la paix qui t'habite normalement et que nous apprécions tant. Toutes nos félicitations pour le chant : seulement Claudette peut accomplir un tel exploit dans un moment des plus difficiles de sa vie. Et que dire de Yan, digne relève de parents extraordinaires. Un message senti, qui arrache les larmes. Félicitations à vous deux . Bon courage et espérons que la vie continue de prendre soin de vous. Bien sûr, Robin veillera toujours sur sa famille bien aimée.
I have known Robin for about 50 years. Always impressed by his consideration for others, his sense of justice and zest for like.
To live in hearts left behind is not to die.
And so you go on living.