SWAIN, Lester H. - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. Lester Swain of Port Hastings and formerly of Point Tupper, aged 81 years, passed away peacefully at home in his sleep on August 14, 2007. Lester was a son of the late James and Rena (Oliver) Swain of Point Tupper. Lester adored his family and was in turn loved by his children and grandchildren, who knew him affectionately as "Poppy". Lester was a veteran of the Second World War. He was employed by the Canadian National Railroad, Port Hawkesbury Marine Railway, and was involved in the construction of the Stora Paper Mill in Point Tupper. Subsequently, he was employed by Stora as a journeyman pipefitter for over 30 years, retiring as pipefitter foreman in 1991. Lester was an active member of the Point Tupper Heritage Society, an ardent supporter of Local 972 Stora International Brotherhood of Paperworkers Union and a player and coach of the Strait Rebels hockey team. With his three brothers and cousin, they constituted over half the players of the Point Tupper Eagles baseball team. Lester could (and did) fix almost anything, including furnaces, plumbing, roofs and wiring, in a small community which had little or no access to tradesmen. There are many pieces of Lester's carpentry prowess scattered throughout the country. Together with his wife, Laura, their house and hearts were always open to friends, family and itinerant visitors alike. He was a master storyteller. Lester introduced many people to the benefits of big-game hunting, and during the war was known to feed family and neighbours with the spoils of his endeavours. It was said that he, at times, viewed the railway's coal as a community resource. Lester is survived by sons, John (Margo), Halifax; Lester (Judy), Louisbourg; Ken, (Paula), Sydney; daughters, Lois (Dwayne Rauw), Halifax; Jean (Dean Hart), Port Hastings; Ann (Mark Johnston), Port Williams; grandchildren, Laura and Mike Swain, Sinead O'Rafferty-Swain, Anna and Ava Hart, Luke, Ewan, Oliver, Will and Liam Johnston; sisters, Myrta Butts, Glace Bay; Jean (Doug) Gray, Halifax; Glenda (Curtis) Langley, Halifax; sisters-in-law, Patsy Swain, Port Hastings; Catherine Swain, North Sydney; Lois Swain, Halifax. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Laura Swain; daughter-in-law, Siobhan O'Rafferty; brothers, Henry, William, Roy, Earl and Charles; sisters, Hilda and Kathleen; brothers-in-law, Bill Butts, Theodore Martin; sister-in-law, Dorothy Swain; cousin and co-adventurer, Harold Oliver. Visitation will be held today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. A joint funeral service for Lester and his wife, Laura, who passed away August 12, will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in St. Mark's United Church, with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Burial will be in Southbrook Cemetery. Lester would ask that memorial donations be made to the Point Tupper Heritage Association or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Service Information Service Date Thursday, August 16, 2007