Local producer recalls Swayze as ‘sweetest person’

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This article was published 15/09/2009 (6234 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO — A Winnipeg film producer says actor Patrick Swayze always held a warm place in her heart.

Phyllis Laing, in Toronto attending the Toronto International Film Festival, worked with Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, in Winnipeg on the film One Last Dance in 2001, based on a script by Niemi, who also directed.

"You know, I was just thinking about him not five minutes ago," she said, upon hearing about his death Monday evening.

Swayze had an affectionate name for Laing: "Little Buddha."

"He was just the sweetest person and we all adored him," Laing said. "He always remembered my sons’ names every time we spoke. We had a really good relationship."

Laing’s company Buffalo Gal Pictures was the Manitoba producer of the film in conjunction with Minds Eye Pictures.

"I was in touch with Lisa," Laing says of her contact with Swayze upon his being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

"If there is a graceful way to pass on, I’m sure he did it," Laing said. "They were really in a good spot. They had a lot of friends and family around, and I sent him an e-mail as much support as we all could from his friends in the north."

"It’s sad and unfortunate."