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Rod William Swank
PEMAQUID, ME: Rod William Swank passed away peacefully at his home in Pemaquid, Maine on February 8, 2013, one day shy of his 84th birthday. He and his loving wife Jean moved to Maine in 1984, following active careers in education in Ohio. She preceded him in death in 2009.
Mr. Swank was born on February 9, 1929, in Butler, Ohio, to Howard Earl Swank and Florence Treva (nee Law) Conrad. He graduated from Butler High School (1947), Ohio Wesleyan University (B.A., 1951), and Ohio State University (M.A., 1959). In Ohio, he served as a teacher in Richland County, an elementary school principal in Delaware County, and a high school principal in Utica. He was the first superintendent of the Heath City Schools, a post he held for 22 years until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and Phi Delta Kappa (a national education honorary). He was also a member of the Associated Schools Project financed by the Ford Foundation for the Study of Secondary Schools of the Future; the Kent State University Seminars to the Soviet Union and China; and a participant at the National Security Forum-Air War College.
As Superintendent of the Heath City Schools, Mr. Swank presided over the construction and staffing of four new schools including the first Heath High School and adjacent Joint Vocational School. The vocational school served students throughout Licking County (Ohio) until a larger, more comprehensive, county vocational school opened in the early-1970s. While at Heath, he was instrumental in establishing special education and learning disabilities classes, art programs, kindergartens, adult education and summer school programs, resident outdoor education courses, occupational work experience classes, and other curricula considered innovative at the time. In 1981, the citizens of Heath honored him at the dedication of their new football stadium and all-weather track by naming the complex Swank Field.
Mr. Swank served as President of the statewide Buckeye Association of School Administrators and received the Distinguished Service Award from that organization. He also served on the Advisory Council of the American Association of School Administrators and was a lifetime member of the Ohio Education Association. He served on the local Boards of the American Red Cross, the Crippled Children's Society, and the Licking County Memorial Hospital, and was an inaugural recipient of the Pride Builder Award presented by the Newark Area Chamber of Commerce. Last year, he was named to the North Fork Hall of Honors (Utica, Ohio) and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Heath Education Foundation (Heath, Ohio).
Mr. and Mrs. Swank were founding members of the Heath United Methodist Church, and Mr. Swank was a charter trustee. He also helped found the Heath Masonic Lodge and served as its first Worshipful Master. A member of many Masonic bodies, Mr. Swank received the 33rd Degree in 1982.
In 1984, Rod and Jean moved to Pemaquid, Maine. In the ensuing two decades, Mr. Swank continued to contribute to the welfare of his new community. He served as the Acting Administrator of the Lincoln County Correctional Facility, as the Clerk to the Lincoln County Commissioners, and as a Reserve Deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and a member of the Damariscotta Police Department staff. Mr. Swank was the oldest volunteer to serve as a member of the international security team for the 1996 Olympics held in Atlanta; and he was honored in 2012, for his 15-year service tenure as a Reserve Deputy in Lincoln County (Maine).
Over the decades, Rod enjoyed international travel with Jean and time with friends and family. He is survived by his daughters, Constance Swank (Tacoma, Washington), Ilene Garrett (Carmel, Indiana), Kathleen Barkley (Roswell, Georgia), and Carolyn Scroggins (Madison, Alabama); sons-in-law, Dan Scroggins, Dan Barkley, and Wayne Garrett; grandchildren, Benjamin, Chase, and Lydia Scroggins, Jordan Barkley, and David and Abigail Garrett; and great-grandsons, Noble and Augustus Scroggins.
Rod was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; one infant daughter, Janice; his parents, Howard Swank and Florence Conrad; and his brother, Scott Swank.
The colleagues and students he helped guide remember him still as a man of integrity whose industrious leadership, commitment to excellence, and concern for the welfare of every student helped shape their communities and their lives. He worked his entire life, from peddling apples and newspapers door-to-door at age nine, to directing traffic as a sheriff deputy at age 70. He polished his children's shoes and whatever cars were in the garage because he knew the sacrifices made to have them. He relished college football in the fall and loved the many dogs who were his faithful companions over the years.
All who knew Rod, whether for years or for just a long conversation, found someone interested in their life stories and aspirations. He showed respect and compassion for all, never wavering in his belief that they deserved the chance to reach their goals. He lived his dreams with determination, generosity, and humility. Although he will be sorely missed, his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Family and friends will gather in Pemaquid this summer to celebrate the life of Rod William Swank. The family has asked that any gifts in his name be given to Bristol Fire and Rescue, 2 Quarry Hill Road, Round Pond, ME 04564, the Compassionate Companion Program, c/o Development Office, 35 Miles Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543, or to Miles & St. Andrew's Home Health & Hospice, c/o Development Office, 35 Miles Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543, or a charitable organization Rod would have appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta. Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To the Swank Family: So sorry to hear of the passing of Rod. He was truly a very dedicated man and loved his family. I remember him and your mother when we first met in the old union hall for the church service for Heath United Methodist church and then moved to Hoback Park and then to Fulton School and the Church now. Your dad and my dad used to discuss the schools and the church over coffee. He will be greatly missed by all of you and those who knew him. May God Be with You all.
Judy Ritchey Kiger
February 20, 2013
My sincere condolences to all the family.
Roberta (Bobbie) Reid
February 18, 2013
Rod and I served as high school principals in the early 60's,he at Utica and I at Lakewood. My association with him was most pleasant.
Dick Mecklry
February 18, 2013
I shall always remember the Swank family in Heath...pillars of our community. Mr. Swank set the tone and made sure we were all well educated and ready for the next challenge. Mrs. Swank taught stage presence and team work. The daughters were always role models for those coming up next. My deepest sympathy, may you know comfort in knowing your dad made a difference in all the lives he touched.
Beth Wyant-Charlton
February 18, 2013
Swank family your dad gave me my first teaching job and I experienced the best 4 years of my career with 4 dedicated, veteran teachers in the 5th grade at Garfield Ele. He took care of me in a difficult situation after the RIF took place and I was relocated in another building. His integrity that you spoke of was shown to me and I will never forget him. Everything that was said in his honor was so true in the 4 short years that I worked for him. I'm sure that he instilled all those values in all of you and you will carry on his legacy in the manner in which he taught all of us. I pray you all will be comforted and be held in the palm of God's hand. Rita Mohler Millersport, OH
February 18, 2013
Remembering Mr.Swank at his first office behind Fulton School. A man who gave of himself and helped so many of us, his teachings about life I stll carry to this day..A loss of a great man.
Willy Cupples
February 17, 2013
The youth of Heath were indeed lucky the day that Rod Swank was hired as Superintendent. We all got a great education and school experience because of the people he hired and the standards he set. My father served many years on the Board with him and always had the utmost admiration for his leadership. He and his family were also great neighbors. My sincere sympathies go out to the Swank family.
Ted Wilson
February 16, 2013
I didn't know he had the same birthday as me. He was a huge influence on all of us kids at Heath schools. He will never be forgotten! God Bless Mr. Swank!
Sheila (Hughes) Przenkop
February 16, 2013
Carolyn and Family: So sorry to hear about your dad. Our Prayers will be for you and the family in Healing.
Margaret Black ( Weakly)
February 15, 2013
To the family of Rod Swank,
I express my condolences over the loss of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.
Over the years, I have followed Mr. Swank's outstanding reputation as an excellent school administrator. His unselfish gifts of time and talent provided through many areas of community service are sadly missed and they will be worthy bench marks for all who seek to follow his example.
My close identification with your family causes me to I offer my deepest sympathy.
As you labor through your grief, my prayers are with you and your love ones.
May you be comforted by the love of God the Father, the love of family and the closeness of friends?
Sincerely, Jim Buzzelli
Jim Buzzelli
February 15, 2013
Im very sorry for your loss Connie and Ilene He was a great superindent of Heath , I remember him well from the Oders house cause you lived right across the street . I was there alot RIP Mr Swank. Bless you girls Your father and mother were wonderful people. My prayers go out to you!!
Bertie (Schwab)(Oder) Welsh
February 15, 2013
To Connie and Ilene, my most sincere condolances. I knew that your dad was a great man and I respected him in school, but until I read the obituary, I had no idea of all of his accomplishments. He really got all that he could out of this lifetime. Looking back, I wish that I had know him even better. Please know that the love, the spirit, never dies and that the love goes on. I know that when we think of somebody who has passed over, that the spirit of that person is right there with you when the thought comes to you. Speak to him when he comes to mind, he will hear you. My condolances on losing him, my congratulations on having had him as a father. Bob Talbott
bob talbott
February 15, 2013
Mr. Swank was a man of integrity and honor. As a student at Heath High in the late 60's, I remember his charm and grace when dealing with students who were beginning to become more involved in national and world concerns. A true gentleman! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Ron & Phyliss Dixon (Del Cecato)
February 15, 2013
Your Dad was truly a great leader with a definite vision for our schools. I really knew him first as Constance and Ilene's dad since we graduated together. So sorry for your loss.
Pam (Rambo) McKenzie
February 15, 2013
Rod was a true leader and fine person. My favorite story is when I was a Freshman at Heath. I had been riding my scateboard back and forth aronud some rocks I had placed on the high school drive. Monday morning I was called to his office; I had no idea why. As I entered his office, scared to death, you know that he could be a pretty stern man, he offered me a box of candy as a gift. I was completly miffed, but took the box and opened it to find the rocks that I had left on the drivway. He could have done many things to punish me, but he chose to teach me a lesson that I remember nearly 50 years later. I know that you are proud of him and all of his accomplishments. I am so sorry to lose such a good person.
Steve Davis
February 14, 2013
I'm am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathies are with all of you. Like Joyce, your Dad was an educator but also the guy across the street who did all the normal things that everyone does. Again, my sympathies.
Diane (Radde) Kennedy
February 14, 2013
Connie, Ilene, Kathy and Carolyn,
Your dad will always be remembered as a great leader and founder of the Heath City Schools, however, I was also fortunate to know him as just the dad of my neighborhood friends. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Joyce (Radde) Ayers
Joyce Ayers
February 14, 2013
Thoughts & Prayers for your family from mom (Gladys Barger Rinehart) and myself.
Kathy Barger
February 13, 2013
Rod was my high school principal and then hired me and my husband, Bill, to teach at Heath. Wonderful memories! Sending sympathy to the Swank family.
Judy Wince Brown
February 13, 2013
So sorry to hear of Mr. Swanks passing ,he did so much to help form many childrens lives. my mother worked in the Heath school sys. and myself and my siblings went to Heath schools ,he was a good man and will be missed ,Love and Prayers to the family Linda ( Van Winkle ) Pugh
February 13, 2013
Please accept my thoughts, prayers, and sympathy during this difficult time. I will always remember him as my first boss. He was always supportive of me and I will always be thankful of the opportunity to teach and coach at Heath for nine years. I remember getting a big trophy for being the first football or basketball team to beat Utica. He was an outstanding and dedicated superintendent. Please accept my condolences.
Art Reiber, former teacher and coach at Heath
February 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Swank family. I worked for many years in Licking County with Rod and belonged to many of the same professional organizations. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him. My prayers go out to the Swank Family.
Frank Gault
February 13, 2013
A man who impacted my high school years at Utica High.
Fred Dunn
February 13, 2013
Rod was a man who molded and touched so many lives. He taught so many the real values of life and made us all better Americans. Rod, I say thank you for all you did in my life.
Ron Wolf
February 13, 2013
Another great man lost to the world...prayers and condolences for you and your family.
patty showalter
February 13, 2013
Mr. Swank was a dynamo of a man, and created a great school system in Heath. I will always be grateful to him for the excellent education I got there. To Connie and Ilene, classmates and friends: please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. He left his legacy in all of us in Heath, and that is no small measure of a fine man.
Michael Bauer
February 13, 2013
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family. May your memories be cherished and comfort you at this difficult time. Sally Clark past Heath High School secretary and Sandy (Clark) & Bob Earick (past student and teachers)
Sally, Sandy, & Bob Clark - Earick
February 13, 2013
We are so sorry to learn of Rod's passing. He and Jean have faithfully, over the past many years, kept in touch with our class of 1960 at Christmas time. Now that is dedication and love to the many lives he and Jean touched. I feel honored to have known and loved him over the years. May he rest in peace.
Betsy Berger Taurman
February 13, 2013
to jean and family,
So sorry to here this.prayers from the Carrelli family.
Susan Carrelli frye
February 13, 2013
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