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Hal Swafford Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Hal Swafford
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Robi (Brass) Kozinski
November 3, 2023
Hal was a longtime colleague of my father's (Bob) years before I ever stepped into his class. Peggy taught my sister violin before I ever heard his booming challenges from the front of the class. He believed in me before I believed in myself. I loved his Western Civilization classes, his high expectations of his students, his drive to truly teach. He wrote a letter of recommendation to my first choice college, and I know for a fact it made a difference. He's gone 10 years now, but he is still inspiring me even 46 years later. He was an amazing teacher, an amazing person, an amazing man at a time when he didn't have to be.
Michael McKiernan
August 24, 2023
Where to begin. I can honestly say Hal changed my life. To say I was not an engaged student would be understating my effort and thoughts about school. Hal pushed me in a positive and constructive way that no other teacher had in my life from grade school to Sunset High. To say he was a great teacher would be limiting what Hal accomplished with every student. He created passion, he created effort, and he created a belief that learning opened doors to ever expanding opportunity.
Hal will never know the impact he had on his students and especially me. But when I am asked which person was of monumental impact on my life, I always include Mr. Swafford.
Annette Olson
May 1, 2022
Mr. Swafford taught history at Beaverton High School. As others have said, he was a gifted teacher and devoted to his students: He was one of two or three teachers who came to the BHS 40th high school reunion in 2006. During my high school years, he and Peggy employed me as a babysitter for Matt and Tom. Their record collection introduced to another of his life--jazz. After the kids went to sleep, I lay on the floor in front of the "stereo" listening to jazz. Hearing "Take Five" always brings back that scene.
David Wood Shechtman
October 21, 2021
Always remember the great inspiration of hearing Mr Swafford elucidate the meaning of history
Keith Lindquist
July 26, 2020
h, wow, just realized that I missed this tragedy. I was clearing out some "stuff" from a desk and came across a class syllabus given to me by Mr. Swafford and decided to look him up. So sad to read his obit. On the other hand, what great memories I have of being a fifty year old taking some history classes from Hal and finding him to be one of the best info communicator that I had found at the college level. Imagine this, Mr. Swafford had related that he was a horn player and in to jazz, so I told him that I had a cousing that was a jazz hornist for the Count Basie Band-he gave me a look that suggested that he was skeptical. Hal asked what my cousin's name was and when I told him Kenny Hing, he lit up and told me that he knew Kenny and had played some local gigs with my cousin over the years. Just another case of how small the world truly is. So saddened to hear about his passing, he was one of the great ones.
Kendra Crispin
April 16, 2014
I was one of his students at Portland Community College in 2001. I even insisted on staying in Oregon for one more term when my family was about to move to Texas because I wanted to finish the Western Civilization series he taught. I loved how he told it like it was and was focused on teaching us to not only learn but think about what we were learning. His classes remain my favorite classes, and I slipped into later classes to visit him when I came to town because I loved the things he had to say. And he didn't seem to mind that I came back.
I believe in letting teachers know that you value them, and did two special things. I noticed during one visit to Oregon that a Teacher Appreciation day was coming up, and so I bought him a card. Another visit I arranged for a picture with him and two other fellow students, Katrina Jenness and Lisa Noll. I collected my friends' signatures and then had a mug made for him with those and the picture on it as a token of our respect for and gratitude to him. And he was my inspiration for going for a graduate degree in military history. He was the first person I thought of to request a letter of recommendation from, and the one that meant the most to me.
I wish I had known sooner. I think this may be the first time that I know of a teacher of mine dying. He is sorely missed, and my parents had a lot of respect for him just based on what I told them. I just wish I knew exactly where my copy of that photo was so I could post it here.
With sympathy,
Kendra Crispin
Hal and I after a violin lesson with Peggy, circa 2008
Katrina Acaster (nee Jenness)
April 16, 2014
Hi Peggy. I'm so thoroughly saddened by this news. Mr Swafford was my favorite school teacher. He could make history come alive. His sincerity concerning the importance of knowing your history and how all things are connected together left the greatest of impressions upon me.
I'm so sorry I didn't visit. I often thought of it. I'm so sorry.
love, Katrina
Peggy Swafford
December 25, 2013
Thank you to all who wrote about Hal. He loved his teaching and felt close to his students. I speak for the family, Tom, Matt and my self,for acknowledging all the kind words and remembrances written to him. Peggy Swafford
November 25, 2013
"Think! ...Why?...Why not?....justify your position.
Don't just repeat the drivel of someone else."
Truly one of a kind. The world is less without him, but richer because of all the minds he ignited while he was here. It makes me smile to think of the music as well as chaos he is probably stirring up now!
Rick Conklin -Sunset '77
Kathy Campbell
November 18, 2013
Mr. Swafford was larger than life - a great big personality with a big heart to go along with it. I was lucky enough to go on a tour to Europe that he chaperoned - he made sure we got a lot of exposure to history up close on that trip of a lifetime for a bunch of 18 year old kids. His love of music and the "band kids" was also very important to many of us that we in the band at Sunset High in the late 70's. We love you Mr. Swafford and we will never forget you. Condolences to your lovely family and wife Peggy.
S Meinert
November 15, 2013
Mr. Swafford lit a fire under me as a student and inspired a lifelong love of history. I still remember him not accepting the easy answer but wanting to know what I really thought. He won't be missed because he's still with me.
Caryn Heick Aman
November 13, 2013
Like so many others, Hal Swafford was one of my favorite teachers at Beaverton High School. I had him for American History my Junior year. He made history come alive. And his knowledge and love of music augmented Choir with Steve Stone and drama with Bob Busick. What a powerful, amazing group of teachers we were blessed with. And thank you to his family for sharing him with us!
Chuck Knapp
November 9, 2013
I had Mr. Swaffor for several classes. I remember being the only Sophomore in a class of seniors for History of Russia. Also his entertaining notes from after lunch in class. He is the only teacher who would throw test into the air and also would asked seniors in class about what kind of wine they drank at lunch. He had a knack for getting the best out of students. I will never forget the word Prince Fufnick ever. Thank you. You are the best History teacher.
November 5, 2013
I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. Swafford in 1983 when I enrolled in his AP European History class at Sunset. I had heard a few rumors about how tough and "mean" he could be, but I found the exact opposite to be true. Yes, he wanted excellence and asked his students to do a lot, but we were the better for it and you could not have met a nicer person. His sense of humor was outstanding and always made class more intersting. He was one of two of my favorite teachers at Sunset and one of the main reasons I chose to become a teacher.
I regret I did not keep in touch with him more after I graduated.
Mary Anne (Love) Arroyo
November 2, 2013
I have Mr. Swafford to thank for introducing me to the world of opera. He would take Sunset High School students down to Portland Opera to see the dress rehearsals. He was a wonderful teacher!
M. Lamberger
November 1, 2013
My grades were not the best - but I remember every lesson.
Thank you Mr. Swafford
Barbara Hess
October 31, 2013
The best high school history teacher EVER. My condolences on your loss of this wonderful man. (BHS 1964)
Dave S.
October 31, 2013
Hal was definitely one of my all time favorite teachers! Not only was he an inspiration to all who crossed his path, he could hit the blank area of the desktop of a sleeping student, from all the way across the room, with both precision and excellence!
W P
October 31, 2013
I hated high school and tried to just skate through. I was a slacker he wouldn't let slack. He was one teacher who wouldn't let me and tried to challenge me and didn't take any of my excuses.
When i look back at my time at Sunset he is one teacher who sticks in my mind.
Teri Joly
October 30, 2013
He had the courage to challenge us as students and that made him a great teacher. I have good memories of being in Mr. Swafford's class.
Diana Alexander
October 30, 2013
Mr Swafford was one of my very favorite teachers at Sunset High School (Class of 80). I remember him fondly. Please know that he made a difference in this world. Truly a great man, full of enthusiasm and knowledge. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest well, Mr Swafford!
Cheryl Herring
October 30, 2013
Thank you for being a great teacher. Thoughts and prayers with your family.
Norm Maves
October 29, 2013
I never had him as a teacher, but he difference between him and just about everybody -- student, faculty, administration -- is that he could light your intellectual boiler, engage you and bring your best out of you just by walking down the halls of Beaverton High School in the mid-1960s. The last time I ran into him? In York, England, in 1984 -- talking, animated, alive.
Jean Rotter
October 29, 2013
We enjoyed his band at the Forest Grove Barbershop Ballad Contest for many years. He was a gentle man
Matt Mathiesen
October 29, 2013
Truly a man of great honor and deserving of respect. Mr. Swafford impacted me in the most positive way. My deepest sympathy to his family. "Bald is Beautiful".
Phyllis (Moerder) Stevenson
October 29, 2013
I adore this man and won't think of him in past tense. The gleam in my eye and intensity of my critical thinking traces back to Hal Swafford, my all-time favorite teacher. I am a better person, parent and grandparent because of him. His influence was exponential and I am grateful to have been caught up in it at Beaverton High School (class of '66). Even after all these years, I remember how lovingly and often he spoke of Peggy.
Patrick Jarvis
October 28, 2013
Tora! Tora! Tora! He had a fire in his eye and an intensity that changed the way I thought about school. I can still hear him yelling out Tora! and still picture that sparkle in his eye.
Cathie Magnuson
October 28, 2013
When at the age of 45+ I decided to take some college courses at PCC, it was my great fortune to sign up for a history class with Hal Swofford. I went on to take 3 more classes with him, and will be forever grateful for the insights he taught. He was a great teacher and a delightful individual. My condolences to his family.
Patricia Sauer
October 28, 2013
He, simply put, was the best, the finest teacher of a lifetime for me. A warm and caring man, wise,full of humor and great wit. Saddened by the news of his passing, I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family.
Lynn Couch
October 28, 2013
Mr. Swafford was one of the best teachers it has been my fortune to encounter. I was lucky enough, more than 45 years ago, to be dropped, by chance, into his History class, and, later, to have had the good sense to elect to attend his Humanities class at Beaverton High School.
A big, booming, tenor voice, impressive girth, and a gleaming dome; not “Hal” so much as “Falstaff.” He led his classes from earth to heaven and back again, laughing all the way. He held no opinions—what he delivered were truths. A pupil had only to venture to differ with him to be set straight. A great story-teller, rarely limited by the day's class-plan or ostensible subject matter.
He introduced me to Chaucer, as well as to Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie (he told me the very record labels to look for in my searches through the Goodwill used-LP bins); he knew, and played, his jazz—I saw him on trombone with his band a couple of times at events at the Memorial Coliseum. I first began to learn about the renaissance in his Humanities class. Yet, he devoted two full days of that course to a screening of “A Night at the Opera,” which may well have been of more use to me since. He recommended that my friends and I attend revivals of “On the Waterfront” and “Citizen Kane” at obscure cinema venues in Portland. It was his letter of recommendation (at the last minute) that overcame my less-than-stellar high-school GPA and landed me in the University of Oregon's Honors College.
“…take him for all in all/I shall not look upon his like again.”
Rest in peace, sir. Thank you.
Hank Stern
October 28, 2013
Most people seem to have that one teacher who they will never forget because of the impact they made on their lives. Mr. Swafford was that teacher for me. I will remember him for challenging students to do their best, his cutting wit and his ability to make history come alive. I also will remember him for loaning me the money to take AP exams when I needed it. Simply put, he was a man and a teacher who was memorable in every sense of the word.
Hal Hickel
October 28, 2013
Mr. Swafford was the very best teacher I had. He made history live for me through his intensely personal and funny style of teaching. What a brilliant guy. I consider myself very lucky to have spent some time in his classroom.
October 28, 2013
I know a lot of former students are going to fill up this guest book saying that Mr. Swafford was the BEST history teacher ever. The thing is, he really was. He was the best teacher I ever had. Much love to you, Mr. Swafford, and to your family. Lee Jarvis Reinholtz, Sunset class of '82.
Craig Berne
October 28, 2013
Wonderful, wonderful teacher. I wish I'd looked him up and told him what an impact had on my life. He will be missed.
Kathryn (Fortsch) Weller
October 28, 2013
I was hooked the first day in class as he stood infront of the class in his 3-piece suit and addressed the class with "If you are not here to learn, then you are in the wrong class." He was an awesome educator that had the ability to draw you into the subject, making it easier to learn. My favorite teacher! God Speed Swaff and to the family, prayers and best wishes to you. (Sunset '80)
Bud & Barbara Crow
October 28, 2013
We think of Peggy and Hal often as we drive past your former Dogwood Lane home (now hardly recognizable). We are sorry to read of Hal's demise and our best wishes go out to Peggy. We will still think of you both as we drive up and down Dogwood Lane.
October 28, 2013
We fondly remember Hal, Peggy, and Matt
and our thoughts are with his family at
this time. Sid and Ann Stuller
Alfred Seekamp
October 28, 2013
Mr Swafford was simply the finest teacher I've ever had. He was smart, caring and inspirational. He always went above and beyond for his students and helped cultivate in me a love for learning that will last my whole life.
Michael Stevens
October 28, 2013
We will Miss you Hal....your a gentleman and a Scholar and you made a world of difference to your students. I am honored and fortunate to be one of them. Simply put, your awesome.
Marcy McDowee
October 28, 2013
Best teacher ever, He gave me a copy of a blank map of the middle east and asked for rivers and capitol cities, the very first day of class. Later I could put it all in. I was his student at Sunset. He was very smart and brought history to life.
Geri Gates
October 27, 2013
I had the pleasure of being in Mr. Swafford's history class my junior year at Beaverton HS. He taught us to think critically about history and current events, that they were connected. His impression has lasted years and made me become a teacher of history. I help my middle schoolers to think critically just as he did. I remember going to his house on Friday nights to talk about issues and ideas. His legacy is long and continuing. Bless you, Mr. Swafford's.
David Starr
October 27, 2013
Hal was my favorite teacher at Beaverton High (class of 1965). We continued to remain friends over the years and would often run into each other at various places. I admired him as a great teacher and a great musician, for his military service and his leadership in organized labor.
Douglas Solberg-Bell
October 27, 2013
Hal Swafford was the best teacher I ever had. I was privileged to have two classes with him at Sunset High School in the mid-80's and will never forget him or his love for history. He humanized the subject, he made it personal and accessible, and he made the deeds of our ancestors live again. I will forever be indebted to him. Godspeed, Mr. Swafford. I will speak your name in Scotland next year.
Mary Lynne Crowhurst
October 27, 2013
I grew up as a neighbor of the Swaffords. Hal was like having a second dad. I remember him "reminding" me to practice and that music was always important to this day I think my love of many different styles of music came from the pushing of Hal. I know you re leading the music in heaven
K St Clair
October 27, 2013
Mr. Swafford was the BEST History Teacher! He told it "like it was" and I loved going to his class at PCC in the early 1990s. I still remember him to this day as a great teacher that held our interest in history thru his great narrative style of teaching.
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