Based in Sydney, Australia, Foundry is a blog by Rebecca Thao. Her posts explore modern architecture through photos and quotes by influential architects, engineers, and artists.

Roger G. Swinburn

Roger G. Swinburn

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Roger G. Swinburn, 73, died Sunday evening, December 22, in the comfort of his home in Swarthmore, surrounded by his family and beloved golden retrievers.

Roger was born in London, England, on May 2, 1946. Throughout his childhood, he was a tremendous rugby and cricket player, eventually playing at both the University of Sussex and the University of Oxford, as well as for the Harlequins out of Twickenham, England. 

Shortly after graduation, Roger taught English and mathematics from 1967-69 in Barbados. There, he continued to play cricket and rugby, while making lifelong friends. He returned to London for a few years to start his career with Johnson Matthey, until he was transferred to Toronto, Canada, in the early 1970s. Roger met his wife, Cindy, in High Park, Toronto. They soon started a family, having three kids, Timothy, Katie, and Gregory.

In 1993, the Swinburns moved to Swarthmore. Roger would spend the rest of his life in the town that he loved so much. For 20-plus years, he frequented local garage sales in the early mornings, lovingly tended his garden, and supported his three children in all of their many sporting activities.

Roger retired at age 70 and spent his summers in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, with some of his dearest friends and family. He had a contagious smile and a clever wit. He had the ability to spark a conversation with anyone and seemed always to be the one in the center of the group laughing hysterically.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Cynthia Williams; and his three children, Timothy, Katie, and Gregory.

Please join us for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Roger G. Swinburn on Saturday, January 11, 1 - 4 p.m., at the Springhaven Club, 600 South Providence Road, Wallingford.

Arrangements by the Cavanagh-Patterson Family Funeral Home, Media.

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