Winnipeg Remembers Swayze

He got us moving in dirty dancing.

And stopped us cold with ghost.

After nearly two years battling pancreatic cancer, actor Patrick Swayze, died yesterday at 57.

While his legacy may include a long list of Hollywood Block-busters, it also includes small films near and dear to him.

Among those " One Last Dance"- directed by his wife Lisa, and filmed right here in Winnipeg in 2001.

"I worked with Patrick and Lisa for 5 months. Got to know them very well. They continued to keep in touch. It was a dance film. Both of them were very passionate about dance." said local producer, Phyllis Laing.

Winnipeg was chosen for the movie because the city is home to many extraordinary dancers. Swayze himself was well known for his grace.

"It’s really, really sad news- terrific dancer, terrific person." said Winnipeg dance studio owner Ted Motyka, who remembers Swayze scouting his dancers for the film.

Swayze and his wife spent five months in Winnipeg. During that time, he fell in love with the city, it’s architecture and discovered his favorite spots. St. Boniface Restaurant Step N Out was one them.

"Very nice man, very open, very cordial, all our staff got to give him hugs." Verna Judge with Step N Out beamed as she remebered the actor.

Swayze was also a huge dog lover. His pups went everywhere with him and Lisa, including the dance studio. When he was in Winnipeg one of his dogs died of old age and his beloved pet was buried in the city.

A city where he’s also an honorary citizen: in 2002, Glenn Murray turned over the keys to Winnipeg to the Hollywood heart throb.

At Step N Out, Swayze’s picture will always be front and centre- never in the corner.