Swayze, who died in 2000, was
a sports writer and newspaper editor who grew up in Brockville and covered
rowing events all over the world, said presenter Pat Marshall at the ceremony.
Much of Swayze’s career was with the St. Catharines Standard. While
in that city, Swayze was heavily involved with the St. Catharines Rowing Club
and played a pivotal role in establishing rowing as a world-class sport through
the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. He was also involved with policy making
through the International Rowing Federation and served as chairman of the North
American Rowing
Championships.
The award was accepted on
Swayze’s behalf by his daughter Dr. Kathy
Swayze.
She noted how her father
cherished Brockville, its river and its railway lines. She said if it hadn’t
been for his two loves in St. Catharines – rowing and Dr. Swayze’s mother – she
might have grown up in
Brockville.
“This recognition would have
blown my dad away,” Dr. Swayze said in accepting the honour on her father’s
behalf. “… He was so passionate about this place.”