A pastor from a “humble background” who became the first black Bermudian ordained in the United Church of Canada has died.

The Reverend Charles Swan was 88.

Valerie Dill, his younger sister, said Mr Swan was “a very humble person, kind and loving — his family meant a great deal to him.”

Dr Swan, who was inspired to become a pastor at Grace Methodist Church on North Shore, Pembroke, lived at Don Mills in Toronto, Canada.

But Dr Swan remained an overseer for Grace Church from his home in Canada, where he moved in his teenage years to get relief from chronic asthma.

He also wrote from overseas for island newspaper The Recorder.

Dr Swan told Christian magazine The Edge last year: “My family was poor. I was not fortunate enough to finish high school, due to lack of money, and my asthmatic condition made it all the more difficult.

“However, my sense of vocation persisted. I decided to explore the possibility of becoming a candidate for the ministry and the theological route was required.”

Dr Swan wrote about the segregated island of his youth in his autobiography, No Turning Back Now.

While ministering at the Cosburn United Church of East Toronto in 1994 he told the Mid-Ocean News that he was often one of the first black people that people in Canada had encountered.

He added: “I don’t think colour has been much of an issue, however. Generally I have been accepted for what I’ve offered. I emphasise preaching and pastoral care.”

Dr Swan also wrote a compilation of sermons, Power for Living in These Days.

A memorial service was held for Dr Swan, who died in October, at Grace Methodist Church last week.