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William Swisher Obituary
March 20, 1918 - November 1, 2010
William Earl (Bill) Swisher II, 92, died peacefully in his sleep on November 1, 2010. He was born in Denton, Texas, on March 20, 1918, the eldest son of William Earl and Minnie Lee (Grant) Swisher. The family moved to California in 1924, first settling in Long Beach and later, Eagle Rock, where Bill graduated from high school. Bill lived in the Los Angeles area for the remainder of his life.
Due to the early death of his parents, Bill went to work in the insurance business to support his siblings. During World War II, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Destroyer Edgar G. Chase in the Atlantic theater. He rose to the rank of Electrician's Mate, First Class, before his honorable discharge in 1945. After the war, he resumed his career in the insurance field, eventually retiring in 1980 as Regional Vice President for TransAmerica Life Insurance Company.
Bill married Dorothy Renetta (Dottie) Fleishman on April 16, 1955. They enjoyed many happy years of marriage, traveling to the far corners of the world. Besides travel, they enjoyed swimming, swing dancing, and entertaining. Following Dottie's death in 1985, Bill took up golfing. He remained in excellent physical and mental condition throughout almost all of his life, and after retirement enjoyed his annual trips to Navy reunions, fixing electrical items, studying medical developments, and helping his friends. Bill was an active member of the Glendale First Presbyterian Sunday School Senior class for many years and had many friends there. Bill was known as a "pretty special guy," and will be missed by many.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie Swisher; sister, Hattie Lena Swisher; sister, Dorothy Swisher Bishop and her husband, William C. Bishop; brother, John Madison Swisher II; two of John's children, Diane and Jack; friend Kay, and his girlfriend, Helen Rassmun. He is survived by his niece, Dawn Bishop-Kleweno, her husband, Keven Kleweno, and their children, Elizabeth Kleweno and William Kleweno, all of Anchorage, Alaska; nephew, William Earl Swisher III of California; his brother John's grandson, John Madison Swisher IV and his family, all of Idaho; and many close members of Helen's family.
Bill's memorial service will be held on November 16th at 10 a.m. at Glendale Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Louise Street, Glendale, California (818-242-8873), Reverend Ken Baker officiating. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Dawn Bishop-Kleweno, P. O. Box 100341, Anchorage, Alaska 99510. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Glendale Presbyterian for its Sunday School program, or to a charity of choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Swisher
John Swisher IV
November 18, 2010
My great uncle Bill had a warm and gentle heart. I have many fond memories as a child going to his home, during the summer with my grandfather (John Madison Swisher II), having a barbeque and going swimming. Living in Idaho has made it difficult to see him and also to introduce him to my family, whom unfortunately he never had the opportunity to meet. He was also a Lakers fan which made for many pleasant phone calls. My uncle and I kept in touch regularly over the after my grandfather’s passing. Our conversations were always included the Lakers, who we both loved.
November 14, 2010
Bill was a great friend. We met him initially through Kay as she was battling cancer. He remained in touch visiting us several times in Tyler, Texas. He kept me abreast of the goings on at the La Crescenta Historical Society. In fact, if not for him we would have had no idea of the plaque placed on the floor of the new library there honoring in part my great great grandfather Dr. Benjamin Briggs. We were able to see Bill for the last time at the library dedication and the following day as we toured the area. He and Kay had a special place in their heart for our daughter Maxi. We will miss his letters but know he is in a better place looking down and smiling.
Larry Anderson, Sasha Vukelja, Maxi and Boris Anderson
Sharon Gilman
November 13, 2010
Bill was a wonderful man... He was a very sweet and generous man... We all loved him so very much. We met Bill through our aunt Helen and we all loved and admired him very much... He will be greatly missed and is in a more beautiful place now.. Teddy and I will miss you Bill but will always remember you and your kindness while here on this earth...You will always live in our hearts.... God Bless~~~
~Sharon and Teddy Gilman
November 10, 2010
Bill left too many memories in Texas to begin to share them all. He was the kindest and most generous man I've had the privilege to know. I will always remember his love for his family and friends and his dedicated service in the Navy. He will greatly missed. Our loss but heaven's gain. Debi and Sabre Stringer- Austin
Debi Stringer
November 10, 2010
Bill left too many memories in Texas to begin to share them all. He was the kindest and most generous man I've had the privilege to know. I will always remember his love for his family and friends and his dedicated service in the Navy. He will greatly missed. Our loss but heaven's gain.
Susan Chesley
November 10, 2010
I would like to extend our condolences to Bill's family. We met Bill through our aunt Helen and our entire extended family grew to love him. What a blessing and honor it was to have known him ! He was an encourager, a true gentleman, an entertainer and a compassionate person. He was not afraid to share his faith. Most of all, Bill was a Giver. This world is a better place because of him.
Susan and John Chesley (Flint, TX.)
Erin Johnson
November 9, 2010
All of Helen's family here in Texas will really miss Bill. My children and the rest of the family all referred to him as "California Bill". He was a really special person, you don't see alot of his type anymore. He was always thinking of others, especially all the kids. I am honored to have had the privelege of knowing him and am thankful that my great Aunt Helen brought him into our lives.
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