Richard W. Swanson, 87, passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born May 21, 1925 in Hastings to Harold and Katherine (Ickes) Swanson. His early years were spent primarily in Big Rapids and Hastings, where he graduated from high school. He went on to Michigan State University, where he graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1948. Richard was a Registered Professional Engineer and Registered Land Surveyor, and was employed by the Wayne County in highway engineering for 34.5 years.
On August 19, 1950, Richard married Betty (Arnold), who became his lifelong loving partner. They raised eight children in Plymouth, MI, and retired to Elk Lake in Rapid City in 1983. Richard was an active member of First Baptist Church of Plymouth, where he served as a trustee and deacon. Upon moving to Elk Lake, he and Betty joined First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, where he served on the building committee, as an elder and clerk of session, and sang in the choir. Richard also served on the Antrim County Board of Public Works and the Milton Township Zoning Board of Appeals. He enjoyed many other activities throughout the years, including tennis, fishing, photography, gardening, painting, and carpentry.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Betty, of 62 years, his adoring children, Mary (Mark) Pincumbe, Katherine (Michael) Duvendeck, Barbara Swanson, Jim (Heidi) Swanson, Mark (Claudia) Swanson, Stephen Swanson and Nancy (Jeff) Ennis; and grandchildren, Sarah (Brandon) Folks, Elizabeth Pincumbe, Tyler Swanson, Emily Swanson, Jacob Ennis, Hailey Swanson, and Ryan Ennis; and dear friend, Zasa Swanson. He was preceded in death by sons, William Harold and Richard Dale.
The memorial service for Richard will be held on Saturday, November 10 at First Presbyterian Church, 404 Spruce Street, Elk Rapids. Visitation begins at 10:30 am, with the memorial service following at 11:00.
Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
December 30, 2012
Bill & David Eichenberger
Dick was such a blessing to so many people. We have tons of wonderful memories that will live with us always. We loved him very much and will miss him for the rest of our lives. And now he is home with God. May he rest in peace and forever be in our hearts. God bless,
November 6, 2012
Jill Falcone
Remembering Uncle Dick with love and great fondness. May your family be at peace in your deep love for each other and for Uncle Dick.
All our love is with you too - Sam and Jill Falcone, Morro Bay, CA
October 26, 2012
Gary & Sharon Folks
To all of the family:
We would like to express our sympathy over your loss. May it comfort you to know that his battle has been won by the blood of Jesus Christ and today he is in paradise with Him. Your husband, dad, grad-dad and friend no longer has earthly struggles or pain. Praise God for loving him so much! We are thinking of you all and you are in our prayers. May you feel God's peace as He surrounds you with His love.
October 26, 2012
Cathy Skotzke
May God bless you during this difficult time. Mr. Swanson was a wonderful man who I enjoyed being around and watching with his family. He often made me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I hope you find peace knowing that God has welcomed him into his kingdom and he is watching over you.
Love,
Ed & Cathy Skotzke
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Funeral services provided by:
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel312 Pine Street, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
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