Roy Leonard Swanson

Roy Leonard Swanson came into this world on July 5th 1915, born to Walfred and Jane Swanson in Chicago, IL. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 95. He attended an all boys private high school in Chicago, graduating in 1932. His adventurous spirit carried him all over the world, employed in various professions, starting with Ripley's Barnum and Bailey's at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair. Next came Armour and Company where he became the youngest Jr. Executive. In 1941 he joined the United States Navy serving in the South Pacific, after which he attended school at Oklahoma A&M studying engineering. He was determined to work in Alaska, and after writing a letter to the White House, he was sent to work for the Federal Housing Authority, traveling Alaska building homes and schools, followed by a time as an Architectural Engineer with the Department of the Interior. Upon retirement he landed in Suquamish, WA and in 1983 married Colleen Mariner of Poulsbo, WA. Roy was a member of the First Lutheran Church. His various clubs and associations included The Rotary Club and he was a lifetime member of The Masons, The Scottish Rite, The Shriners, The Sons of Norway and The Elks Club. Roy built homes and remodeled them, loved to garden and dance and traveled extensively including the Holy Land and China. He was a warm and generous man who enjoyed the company of family and many friends. Everyone knew him by his baritone voice and his wonderful sense of humor - always quick to deliver a limerick, one liner or quip. Almost every photograph taken of him was with a larger than life smile. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Colleen Swanson, sister Joann (Clem) Donnell, son William (Shirley) Swanson, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. A public viewing will be held at The Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary Friday Feb. 4th from 10 am - 4 pm. A memorial service will take place Tuesday the 15th of February at 1 pm at First Lutheran Church in Poulsbo, WA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.