Schwann was kindest person football knew
Phyllis Schwann, as amazingly nice as she was, would likely disapprove of this column.
I attempted to write a story about her — once — but, in her own sweet, quiet way, Phyl politely asked me to reconsider.
She didn’t think she deserved any attention, let alone adulation, and requested that I instead devote that time and space to a story about a high-school athlete.
And, really, who could consciously do anything that would be contrary to the wishes of such a wonderful person?
But here I am, nearly a week after she died peacefully in her sleep, writing about her. Sorry, Phyl.
Every time our paths crossed, I felt like I was in the presence of royalty. She carried herself modestly, without any airs, and instantly endeared herself to everyone she knew.
It wasn’t sufficient to simply say hello. Every interaction began with a hug and became a treasured memory. She just had that way, understatedly but overwhelmingly.
Examples of her good nature could fill this edition of the newspaper, or even a book. It is a challenge to isolate only a few examples that typify her.
Phyl and her late husband, Dr. Paul Schwann, attended the 1966 Grey Cup game — won by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In fact, they flew with the team to and from Vancouver.
On the flight back to Regina, Phyl — the first female director of the community-owned CFL team — had members of the triumphant Roughriders autograph the roster pages of two game programs.
The signatures of Ron Lancaster, George Reed, Hugh Campbell, Ron Atchison, Eagle Keys and associates were written neatly, back in the days when autographs were legible.
Phyl kept both programs for more than 40 years. Then, without any notice, she gave one away … to me. I was floored by her extraordinarily kind gesture. But entirely surprised? Well, not really. She was so impossibly nice, so routinely, that I would never put anything past her.
Her generosity was noted and appreciated by the high-school football community, which was also important to her husband — in whose honour the Dr. Paul Schwann Centre is named.
His contributions have long been recognized by the Regina Intercollegiate Football League. The RIFL’S 4A division is named the Schwann Conference.
Each year, Phyl would be at the stadium for the conference final in order to assist with the presentation of the championship trophy.
“She was so honoured and proud of the Schwann Conference,” remembered a proud daughter, Lisa Schwann. “High school football was very important to her and she was so proud to be Dad’s wife.
“She hand-wrote all the Schwann Conference all-stars and players of the week every single year — from the beginning of the Schwann Conference, right to the end. She hand-wrote every single letter to the boys. She also sent Christmas cards to all the players of the week and all-stars.”
Phyl was always at the RIFL awards ceremony and was beloved throughout the Regina High Schools Athletic Association. The RIFL’S benefactor, the Wascana Kiwanis Club, recognized Phyl as the mother of the year in 1989. Her husband had received the father-of-the-year award in 1973.
“Mom was a good-hearted woman who didn’t seek recognition for any volunteer work she did,” Lisa said.
“She loved family more than anything. She was so proud of all her kids and grandkids. We are Catholic and she said her prayers every single night right to the end.
“She loved all our dogs — a very important part of our family and a big comfort to her.”
I hope and trust that her family will derive considerable comfort from Thursday’s funeral mass, which is to begin at 11 a.m., at Holy Rosary Cathedral (2014 Garnet St.). All past and present RIFL players are asked to wear their football jerseys.
The mass is to be held 44 years to the day after Dr. Schwann’s untimely passing — a date that, according to Lisa, has “special meaning for us.”
The same applies to every recollection of Phyllis Schwann, who was loved as much as she will be missed.