Sault says farewell to Charlie Swift

At the Arthur Funeral home this afternoon, no fewer than six of Charlie Swift's trademark hats were on display. His golf clubs were there. So was his cribbage board.

At the Arthur Funeral home this afternoon, no fewer than six of Charlie Swift's trademark hats were on display.

His golf clubs were there.

So was his cribbage board.

And then there was the June 14, 2000 cartoon from Sault This Week, showing Swift hanging up a pair of boxing gloves as he announced he wouldn't run in that year's municipal election.

Hundreds of Saultites from all walks of life showed up this afternoon to honor the 22-year member of City Council, who died Thursday night following a heart attack. He was 67.

Swift served as Ward 1 Councillor from 1979 until his decision not to run two years ago.

At his request, no funeral service was held today, but the Arthur home hosted an informal "celebration" of his life.

The paraphernalia displayed this afternoon told of Swift's other passions.

His Root River Golf Club membership card was there.

So was his baseball umpire indicator, hinting at many years of support to youth sports programs.

There was a Sault Star crossword puzzle.

There was a figurine labelled "World's greatest Dad."

There were many, many photographs of Swift with his five grandchildren.

There was a tiny card that said: "If father says no, ask grandfather."

There were hand-coloured expressions of affection for "Grampy."

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