For Posterity's Sake         

A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project

 

They made the Ultimate Sacrifice 

 

Gary Lee Swim

 

Leading Seaman, 59799, RCN

 

Born: 23 Feb 1945, West Head, Cape Sable Island, Nova Scotia

 

Died: 03 Dec 1969 at sea

 

Book of Remembrance

 

SWIM, Gary Lee, LS, 59799, RCN, died - 03 Dec 1969, HMCS BONAVENTURE - Son of Elmer Donald and Doris Azuba (nee Nickerson) Swim of Ferguson's Cove, Halifax, NS; husband of Donna Ralphine Swim of Halifax, NS; and, brother of Donald, Richard, Roger, Mary, Marcella, Brian, Gregory, Bradley and Timothy.

 

On 03 Dec 1969, during the ship’s paying off cruise, the aviation fuel tanks (AVGAS) on HMCS BONAVENTURE were required to be emptied and cleaned. Tragically, one fuel tank did not vent properly, and the first two sailors who entered the fuel tank were overcome by deadly fumes. A second pair of sailors lost their lives during the rescue attempt.

 

LS Swim is buried in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Halifax, NS

Ships served in:

HMCS BONAVENTURE

 


 

In Service of Canada - RCN Peacetime Casualty Index

 

HOME PAGE     SHIP INDEX      CONTACT