2004
Dorothy Swain Retires
By: Laurna Thede
2004 - After 25 years of work in the public
service, Dorothy Swain has retired.
She started her career with the Federal
Government working at Corrections Canada. In Dorothy’s own words, “I was
at the Regional Psychiatric Centre as a CR-2. They cured me and sent me to
Matsqui Institution as a CR-3. I was let out on parole two years later
then became a SCY-3 to the District Director for a few years.
After that I
spent about four months at the Day Parole Centre then donned the uniform
of a prison guard.” She spent seven years in uniform at Matsqui
Institution in the Fraser Valley, then moved to the Cariboo.
She and her husband, Denis, bought a ranch near Lac La Hache where they
built a log home and raised horses. Shortly after relocating to the
Cariboo, Dorothy came to work in Prince George at Corrections Canada
Parole office as a term CR-3.
It was during her work term with Corrections
that the Prince George district office of Industry Canada staffed a
clerical position that had been vacated by the retirement of Val Callaway.
Dorothy was the successful candidate.
She started her tenure with Industry
Canada in February of 1996. For a few years Dorothy lived in Prince George
during the week and commuted to Lac La Hache on weekends. She and Denis
eventually sold the ranch and moved to Prince George.
Dorothy quickly became an essential part of the Prince George team. Her
love of people soon had her answering phones and chatting with clients
coming into the office. Her laugh was infectious and even the grumpiest
customer left with a smile on his face. She took on the duties of Floor
Fire Warden, Health & Safety Officer, took her turn at radio licensing and
finance, but she preferred people contact and graduated back to answering
phones and chatting with clients coming into the office.
Dorothy was an
energetic member of the Regional Sales Force and spent many hours
arranging trade show exhibits and working the Industry Canada booths.
One of the brightest stars in Dorothy’s crown is probably the TAS Retreat
she organized and facilitated in Edmonton in February of 2000. In late
1999, what started as an idea during a coffee break blossomed into a
conference for all TAS (Technical/Administrative Specialist) staff in the
Pacific Region. She obtained input and agreement from all the
participants, came up with a plan, then took her plan to Penny Stratas.
After some careful consideration, Penny gave the idea her blessing. The
retreat was a huge success.
To honour Dorothy’s career in the public service, a dinner was hosted by
her co-workers in Prince George on June 12th. She was pleasantly surprised
when her daughters and their families, and close friends from both Quesnel
and the Fraser Valley arrived to join the celebration. John Nosotti was
the Master of Ceremonies and presented Dorothy with a parting gift: three
prints by Sue Coleman. For all who know Dorothy, it is not difficult to
envision the laughter and good humour that spilled out the doors of the
restaurant.
Dorothy’s plans for the future include selling her house in Prince George
and moving once again. This time to Kamloops where the weather is mild and
she can be closer to her family and long-time friends. I even heard her
say she would like to take up golf like many other retirees.
It is with fond memories that we say good-bye to a lady who has touched
each one of us in her own special way.
Pictures on the left are from Dorothy's Retirement
Party!