Memorable Manitobans: Robert Rennie Swan (1876-1952)

Physician and surgeon.

Born at Greenock, Scotland on 3 December 1876, son of Robert and Marion Swan, he was educated at Greenock and Glasgow University. After graduating in 1901, he spent a year studying in Switzerland and France. He visited India then practised in Liverpool for three years. He came to Winnipeg and established a medical practice, serving on the staff of the General Hospital, specializing in diseases of the chest. He was a member of the Canadian and Manitoba Medical Associations.

He was married to Ethel Strang, daughter of Andrew Strang. He served as President of the St. Andrew’s Society from 1913 to 1915, president of the Winnipeg Golf Club, and a member of the Canadian Club, Garry, St. Andrews Club, and the Medico Chirurigical Society. His recreations included golf and lawn bowling.

He died at Winnipeg on 30 June 1952 and was buried in St. John’s Cemetery.

Sources:

Who’s Who in Western Canada: A Biographical Dictionary of Notable Living Men and Women of Western Canada, Volume 1, edited by C. W. Parker, Vancouver: Canadian Press Association, 1911.

Pioneers and Prominent People of Manitoba, Winnipeg: Canadian Publicity Company, 1925.

“Dr. Swan dies here”, Winnipeg Tribune, 1 July 1952. [Manitoba Legislative Library, Biographical Scrapbook B10]

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 1 January 2011

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