After a long and well-lived life, Dr. George Patrick Sweeny died peacefully on May 25, 2024, surrounded by his family. Patrick was predeceased by his loving wife of more than 62 years, Patricia, as well as his daughter-in-law Myra Gerow. Beloved father to Mike (AnnLiz), Paul (Janice), John (Gwyneth) and Cara (Paul). Loving Papa to Alex (Katy), James, Claire, Elizabeth, Grant (Emily), Patrick and Henry, and "Dr. Pat" to Jennifer (Travis), David (Sandra and "great" Dr. Pat to Felix), Carter, Palmer (Eleni) and Chandler. Uncle Pat to the Allen's and many Sweeny nieces and nephews across Canada.
Born in Yarmouth, N.S., on March 17, 1930, to Vern and Mabel Sweeny, he was predeceased by his siblings, Vern, Kenn, Dick, Sue, Bob, Marie, Philip and Ruth.
Patrick was a graduate of Acadia University (B.Sc., 1950) and McGill University (M.D., C.M 1954). He came to Hamilton to do his residency at the Hamilton General Hospital where he met Patricia, later joining a general practice in Burlington at the Caroline Medical Group where he practised for more than 40 years. He did house calls and delivered babies - many babies. Following "retirement", he worked at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre and volunteered at the Church Wellesley Health Centre in Toronto, providing medical care. We hope he will be remembered as a kind, considerate physician with a special ability to listen to his patients.
He was an associate clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University. Together with his partner, Dr. Ian Hay, they were part of the groundbreaking research into the education and integration of nurse practitioners into primary care.
Patrick's wanderlust was shared by Patricia, and together they travelled, with the family in tow, to do locums in England, British Columbia and Newfoundland. Later, they did locums for many summers, and one dark February, in the Yukon, completing the Chilkoot Trail and white water rafting on the Tatshenshini River at 75!
Patrick was a lifelong learner, taking up painting in his final chapter. His green thumb and varied interests kept him outside camping, canoeing, fishing, fly tying, identifying wildflowers and birds, fiddle head picking and gardening. Patrick's interest in history and medicine led him to co-write a book, "Diseases and Doctors: Medical Practice in Burlington, Ontario 1791-1961." Always up for a good laugh and good time, Patrick played bridge and poker and was a member of the Roseland Club "Rogues". A member of Port Nelson United Church, he was also a founding member of the Men in Aprons, making pancakes for the smiling faces at Pancake Tuesdays.
He loved to spend time at the Cottage on Neighick Lake with the family, teaching the grandchildren about nature, life and how to properly build a fire and paint a cottage, as well as entertaining weekend guests and fellow cottagers.
His circle of friends was large and varied and continued to grow throughout his life: far too many to name, but all very special to him.
He loved to dance, with Patricia or on his own. Always with a twinkle in his eye, a smile and a warm heart. He frequently had a yearning to tell - always entertaining, only sometimes true. His mischievous soul loved to make people laugh and never took life too seriously.
He touched many lives. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Port Nelson United Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Smith's Funeral Homes.