Obituary

David John Swinton of Harriston passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 29, 2025 in his 95th year. Known affectionately as John or Papa to those who loved him best, John was born on December 12, 1931 in Harriston because he wanted to be close to his mother. His parents David and Mary ran the gas station and ice cream shop in Harriston, a popular stop for locals and cottagers alike. In his early years, John loved to play hockey and paint the town. He met the love of his life, Donna Gladys Swinton while working at the bank in Mount Brydges, and the rest they say is history. They built a beautiful life together, raising three children, MaryAnne (deceased), Elizabeth and David, making lifelong friends in the many communities they lived including Harriston, Canfield, Cayuga, Oakville, and Burlington. John spent most of his career driving a gas truck and in management at Texaco, and kept working post-retirement driving for a pharmacy and dental office. A true Scot at heart, John took up the bagpipes and spent many years piping in towns across Ontario in parades with the Burlington Pipe Band. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for almost 70 years, and was proud to be one of the longest serving Masons in Ontario. With a razor-sharp mind and wit, John loved to regale family, friends and audiences with his jokes and stories and to cheer on his favourite teams, the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens. John will fondly be remembered by his children Elizabeth (Lloyd), David (Laurie), his three grandchildren Johnathon (Heather), Grace and Clare, son-in-law Malcolm and nieces and nephews and great nieces. The family would like to thank the staff at Caressant Care for their care, and Betty-Jean and Keith Quigley for their friendship, love and care. The funeral service will be held at Harriston United Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00am with reception to follow. The service will be live-streamed, and the link available on the funeral home website. Spring interment in Harriston Cemetery. Memorial donations to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston. Online condolences may be left at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com