SWETNAM, William David “Bill” - of Sheffield Mills, Kings County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2011 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. William David Swetnam was born in Halifax May 1, 1935, the son of the late Rev. William J. W. and Jean (Mac Donald) Swetnam. His younger years were spent in Shelburne, Gabarus, Port Mouton, and Liverpool. Bill graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1956. His greatest ambition was to farm. He was successful in buying his farm in 1958, located in Sheffield Mills, and since being incorporated in 1980, known as Wilmar Acres Limited. Bill was able to establish a broiler chicken production, and became involved with the Poultry Products Institute and later with the Broiler Association, serving as the first secretary for several years. Bill exhibited dedication, commitment, and community leadership in many ways. He served in various roles in the Agricultural Sector which include: Chairman and one of the founding members of the N.S. Turkey Marketing Board, appointed a member of the Kings County South and East Livestock Health Services Board, Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission, five year term on the Canadian Livestock Board, president of the Kings County Federation of Agriculture, Nova Scotia Grain Marketing Board, Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, Nova Scotia Farm Practice Board, and his most recent appointment was serving on the Agriculture Land Review Committee. Bill considered one of his most important roles was serving two terms with the Planning Advisory Committee of the Kings County Council. The aim of this Committee was to preserve agriculture land in Kings County. Bill served as Scout Leader for several years, and at that time was a member of the Kings County Scout Council. He was appointed to the Board of Valley Health Services Association serving from 1982-1993. He chaired the Residential Canvassing Committee which raised funds to help build the Valley Regional Hospital. He also Co-chaired the Chaplaincy Fundraising Committee. He has served as an honorary director of the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation until the time of his death. Bill served on the Board of Windsor Elms for six years. He has been a member of Canard United Church serving in various roles: elder, Chair of the Board of Trustees, a Steward, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Men's Club. He has represented this congregation with the Valley United Church Presbytery chairing both finance and property committees. Bill, a member of the Rotary Club of Kentville was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2008, for recognition of years of service rendered with humility and a sense of purpose. Bill was presented his second Paul Harris Fellowship in April, 2010. Bill was honoured by the Queen for his volunteer efforts with the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. Among those receiving recognition at the N.S. Agricultural College, "Blue and Gold Awards" Dinner held November 12, 2010, was Bill. He was selected as the 2010 recipient of the "Distinguished Alumnus Award." Many times, Bill could be heard expressing his appreciation for life with his family in Sheffield Mills. When asked one day, why he devoted so much of his time and resources to community, church, recreation and agriculture, he could be heard to say, “Because it’s the right thing to do,”Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (Inglis); his sons, Bruce (Angie), Peter (Christina), John (Heather); his daughters, Anne (Glendon Davison), Jeanne (Allan Sheffield) and his sister, Isabel Dixon. Twelve grandchildren survive a wonderful grandfather, Gregory Walker, William, Megan, and Sarah Swetnam, Ryan and Dylan Swetnam, Matthew, David and Rachel Sheffield, Hugh and Christopher Eaton, and Tessa. Bill was predeceased by his parents; brother, Carman; his sister, Dorothy, and brothers-in-law, Clayton Hare and Arthur Dixon. Cremation has taken place. Visitation was held from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2011 in the Canard United Church, Reverend Curtis MacDonald and Reverend Ray A. Francis officiating. Burial took place in the Canard Burial Ground. Family flowers only by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, Valley Regional Hospital – Palliative Care or the Annapolis Valley Victorian Order of Nurses. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com