08/05/1942 – 20/03/2026
On March 20, our club is sad to report, that a long time member, Kevin Swiggs has passed. I recall the day I first met Kevin. I was looking for a RC model aircraft club to join to rekindle my interest in RC aircraft, having been absent for the best part of 15 years. It was 1994, I got out of my car at Symmons Plains, into my wheelchair and immediately I was met by Kevin and Max Wiggins. Kevin was the President of the club at the time. He could not have been more welcoming and wanted to know how he and Max could assist. 32 years later, I have Kevin to thank for the sincerity of his approach that welcomed me as a member with a disability. Last year the club fittingly awarded Kevin Life Membership, and the family stated that they were very pleased that Kevin received this at a time when he was able to appreciate it.
As previously mentioned, Kevin was a past President of the club. As you would expect with his career achievements, he was also a Gold Wing pilot and I suspect one of the most qualified instructors we have had or are likely to have in the future. The one thing that is evident since Kevin’s passing, is that he had a career many of us would have had little knowledge of, and in particular the full extent of his achievements. I did some research and found an article printed in the Examiner in 2017. Such was the interest in Kevin’s story, I actually found it online in the Illawarra Mercury (A NSW newspaper).
Kevin’s daughter Jan, penned the following notice of her father’s passing on Facebook. Here is what she said.
We are very sad to let you know that our dearly loved Kevin, Dad and Poppy passed away peacefully on Friday 20 March, 2026.
A 47 year, 30,000 + flying hours career as a Commercial / ATPL pilot, flying instructor, airline captain, check and training captain, stints as an air ambulance pilot. Kevin worked from Devonport, Launceston and Darwin, flying Ministers, Premiers, Prime Ministers and everyday people quietly, reliably and safely, some having the worst day of their lives if they were a patient being transferred for critical care. He trained many, many pilots thoroughly and rigorously, following their careers over the years.
Kevin started his working life as a theatre projectionist, and this role brought him to Tasmania as a 19 year old, to work at the Elwick Drive in – a move that would introduce him to the two great loves of his life – Lynne and flying!
David and I were blessed to have a childhood and life surrounded by love – Dad might have been busy, but he always had time for us…. even if that was us tagging along to the airport on weekends and hanging out for the day, sitting quietly a back seat on a freight flight in the wee small hours, or a jump seat ride whenever we could. Life lessons of quiet determination, doing a job to the very best of your ability, listening, watching and learning, work ethic, and, most importantly, having someone in your corner, quietly cheering you on or offering some timely advice if it looked like you might be about to stuff it up.
Kevin had a soft spot, often despite protests, for all the animals that we’ve had over the years, and supported and encouraged mum’s love of, and breeding of very successful Siamese and Oriental cats.
He was a loved and loving father in law and great mate to Helen and Alan. Close to his siblings Lulla, Bill and Robbie, his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews – enduring relationships often separated by distance, but once together it was like they had never been apart.
Kevin made friends wherever he went, friendships that stood the test of time, and despite time apart, could be rekindled in an instant. He enjoyed a diverse range of hobbies and interests – stage shows, film, car racing of any description – Supercars, F1 and speedway rated highly – sport, travel, holidays and a good road trip for a festival or special event. He was recently awarded Life Membership of the Launceston Model Aero Club, recognition of many years of service to a club where he spent a lot of fun times and forged many valued friendships
One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grand daughter Tory, and it was a sentiment shared, a beautiful bond. He never missed an opportunity to be on the sidelines cheering her on – be it a horse show, basketball game or musical performance – or really, any chance to just hang out. I think one of his most secretly cherished achievements was indoctrinating Tory to Ice Pilots from the tender age of 7 – I think they could recite every episode from every season at one stage.
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago, he fought a quietly determined battle, supported every inch of the way by Lynne. A severe bout of Flu in August took a toll, however he amazed everyone coming out of rehab 10 weeks later fully mobile. Unfortunately a virus just after Christmas was a major set back, from which he did not recover.
A private service has been held for Kevin.
Please, raise a glass and reflect on your favourite memories of a life well lived by a genuinely good man, who we will miss everyday.
Select the < > keys to scroll through the album or click on any photo to view in Flickr
Launceston-pilot-Kevin-Swiggs-has-some-stories-to-tell
Eulogy
Deepest sympathies to Lynette, Jan, David, Tory and the rest of his family.
He will be missed by all at LMAC.
Rest in peace Kevin.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.