David Paul Swanson

David Paul Swanson Dave Swanson died on his 89th birthday, June 25th, 2014, of prostate cancer at home surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born in Yakima, WA, to Mandy and Paul Swanson in 1925. He was raised with his younger brother, Bob, in the country near Selah, WA. DP graduated from Selah High School showing early signs of leadership as the student body president. Highly motivated, he received a degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State College (University) in 3 1/2 years. Dave married Patty Ruth Elliott, on August 28, 1948. After college, they made their home in Union Gap, WA where Dave began his 34 year career with the Washington State Highway Department. Son Michael David was born in September 1950. After moving to Yakima, the family grew with the addition of Diane Patricia in August 1952, and Joanne Carole in April 1955. Dave shared his lifelong love of music, singing with the Camerata Club, the Ambassadors, and the choir at the Congregational Church. In 1970, he became the District Administrator of the Department of Transportation moving the family to Wenatchee, WA. After a successful, satisfying career, he retired in 1982. Dave was an accomplished, well liked leader, serving in offices in the Apollo Club and the Wenatchee Central Lions Club. After retirement, he enjoyed singing with the Apollo Club (29 yrs), a Lion’s Club Quartet and in the choir of the First United Methodist Church. Dave spent time reading, tending roses, watching sports, doing needlework, and creating a wonderful vegetable garden as well as volunteering for many activities in the community. Dave led a quiet, steadfast spiritual life. Being a true statistician, he always paid great attention to detail, keeping data on sports, rating books read, hikes (who, where & when), as well as daily high/low temps so he could tell the average temperature of any time of the year! Weekly local hikes with the family and dogs were a great joy to Dave including breakfast out first and ice cream cones after of course! Dave is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat at home, his children, Mike (Wendy) Swanson of Bothell, Diane Brace of East Wenatchee, and Joanne (Bill) Sanford Young of Wenatchee; his grandchildren, Julie Swanson of Spokane, Kara Sanford of East Wenatchee, and Kyle Sanford of Seattle; his brother, Robert Swanson of Seattle; and his sister-in-law Kay (Clen) Hendrickson of Boise ID. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sons-in-law Jeff Sanford and Jeff Brace Every day Dave (dad) touched our lives with his gift of humor, his quiet understanding, his respect for all living things and his ability to treat all that graced his heart with fairness and love. A special thanks to Dave’s loving caregivers and the compassionate Hospice people who helped us in so many ways. A celebration of his life will be at the First United Methodist Church, Friday, July 11 at 1 pm. Donations may be made in David’s honor to Hospice, hospicencw.org. or the charity of your choice. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones-Betts Funeral Home.

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David Paul Swanson

June 25, 1925 - June 25, 2014