Steven Dennis Swift

Age 61, died from lymphoma on March 6, 2014 with his wife and daughter at his side. He was born on November 3, 1952 in Olympia, WA, to a large Irish Catholic family. He was the fourth of 15 children. He earned his bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering at UW, and met his wife, Liz, in chemistry class there. He spent his career as an electrical circuit design engineer, first with Fluke, then as owner and operator of Novatech Instruments. Steve had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved hiking, exploring, traveling with his family, working on old radios, reading, and cheering for the Sounders.

He is survived by Liz, his loving wife of almost 39 years; his daughter, Mary; his mother, Mary Kay Swift; and a large and loving family. He is preceded in death by his father, John David Swift, and a brother and a sister. Steve found tremendous strength in his Catholic faith. He took great pride in caring for his family. He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Steve's generous, thoughtful, loving spirit will always be remembered and cherished.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, March 13th at 11AM at

St. Luke Catholic Church

322 N 175th St, Shoreline 98133

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey

Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times on Mar. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Swift

Sponsored by The Family.

36 Entries

Steve Montgomery

March 3, 2020

As I am now in a final battle with renal cancer at about the same age as Steve Swift when he passed, my thoughts still reflect vividly of his great sense of humor, valuable engineering mentoring, and treasured friendship! Steve Swift, I miss you.

Jon Robbins

November 1, 2015

This is Jon Robbins Floyd's son. I am sorry to hear of Steven's death. How is Mary Kay. You can call me any time. (425) 577-9584

Randy Parris

April 15, 2015

I will always remember Steve as the quiet smart one, while me and Bob were the Knuckleheads.Peace and love to the family. Know we will see Steve again.

Monica Tate

April 16, 2014

Hello Ms Swift...this is one of your old studemts from the class of 82, Monica Tate...I wanted to say sorry for your great loss..my father passed in October...his ptesence is missed every second...I woild have never been able to attend Holy Names for four memorable years without both he & my mother's support who let me make the choice...may the Lord give you & your daughter, & others close to you comfort like only He can...Blessings!!!!

Steve Montgomery

March 26, 2014

Liz and Mary, I wish you the ability to focus on the many years of great memories with Steve, and to be able to quickly dismiss the images of his last days of illness. Steve became nicknamed "Swifty" at Fluke for easy distinction because we had 12 "Steve"s working in the same group (one Steve was a woman! - my nickname became "Monty"). The name Swifty brought peace and joy to all of us who worked with him.

Steve was my life's greatest mentor and a very good friend through the years. I have very fond memories ranging from technical discussions, to joking, to skipping rocks at lunch time, to great telephone counsel from afar. But my greatest memory was of his kindness and brotherly love. He was a true enabler, and looked out for the welfare of others.

You were very fortunate to have such close access to such a great man. Few could walk in his footsteps. I am so glad that he took the time to do some outdoor adventures in final few years, as he certainly loved the beauty of nature.

Janice Holkup, O.P.

March 16, 2014

Dear Liz and Mary,
The funeral and eulogies remembering Steve were a tribute to him and his life and to you in your preparing it. Thank you.
I think of Steve often, every Sunday as I read the comic Dilbert because of Steve's commentary on it many years ago. Often in the morning and evening because of Steve's explanation to me of 'dark thirty' when he told of accompanying his father on surveying jobs when he was young.
I remember how he would enter totally into imaginary play with Mary when she was a little girl, such a rich shared relationship.
I remember Steve as part of the HNA hiking club, in later years introducing himself as the husband of the principal. I remember his easy smile and head of unruly curly hair.
I grieve his loss at age 61 of so much more life to enjoy and your loss in being able to share it with him. He was an amazing warm, loving person.
Peace,

March 16, 2014

Liz, our prayers are with you and Mary. I can't begin to imagine the loss you are feeling. I will have a Mass said here at Saint Helen Church in Georgetown, TX.
--Maryanne (Haas) Perry

March 14, 2014

Dear Liz,
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing he is in good hands and I know you will find great support in the HNA community. God Bless you and Mary.
Sincerely, Jane Pugel Hance c/o '78

Paul Robischon

March 13, 2014

Steve was an amazing man and was greatly loved by so many as was evidenced by the number of people who attended his celebration of life today. He was not just intelligent he was a genius. He was a man of integrity and never wavered from doing the right thing no matter the situation. In spite of all those qualities there was not an ounce of arrogance in him.

I am truly sorry for your loss and pray that the joy of the Lord will be your strength. Philippians 4: 4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Galen Young

March 13, 2014

My deepest condolences to Liz and Mary. I can only imagine how difficult a time this must be. I hope that you can take some comfort in what a wonderful person Steve was - he was so loved.

One of my first memories of Steve when I was quite sick at Mary's Kindergarten birthday sleepover, and all of the girls were hiding from me. Steve sat up with me and kept me company until my parents came to pick me up.

His warm, comforting presence, easy smile, and enthusiasm for life will greatly be missed.

Paul Chastain

March 12, 2014

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Swifty's passing. Please accept my condolences. I have many memories of the early 80' s at Fluke. Steve was a mentor and guide to me in a transitional time in my life just after college. He was the Analog design engineer that I aspired to be, and he was there to help me begin the journey. He became a friend in the process of mentoring. My prayers are with you as I can only imagine the pain of his loss to you.

Gwendolyn Jimerson

March 12, 2014

Mrs. Swift,
My daughter Price and I will keep your family in our prayers through this difficult time.

Mark Hinds

March 12, 2014

I met Steve almost 30 years ago now. I could have done with a few more years of him. This song has nothing much to do with Steve, apart from being Irish, and fittingly sad.
Down By The Glenside - The Dubliners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pEBDRNKsq4

Karolyn Loftus

March 12, 2014

Dear Mrs. Swift, I am so sorry to hear the news. I will light a candle for you and your daughter and one for your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Karolyn (class of 2012)

David Gunderson

March 12, 2014

I have fond memories of Steve (Swifty) from the early days at Fluke. He was a great electronics designer and had wonderful stories about growing up in his huge family. My prayers are with the entire family at this loss.

Renata "Midj" Osoteo-Nygren

March 11, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughter during this very difficult time. - Sincerely, Renata "Midj" Osoteo-Nygren Class of 1982

Otina Monary

March 11, 2014

My heart reaches out to you Liz. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Otina Monary

Sally Slyngstad, SNJM

March 11, 2014

Sending you prayers and support, Liz. I remember your tales of adventures with Steve and Mary. May the days ahead be gentle ones for you both.

Miles Family

March 11, 2014

Dear Ms. Swift
We lift you up in our prayers. We thank God for your many years of love and marriage and your beautiful legacy - Mary. We honor your family.
May God continue to bless you and give you peace.
With our love,
The Miles Family
(Nate, Leslie, Gabby 2012, Sophia 2017 and Noah)

March 11, 2014

Liz and Mary,
We are very saddened for your loss of of dear Steve.
May God Bless you both and comfort you during this difficult time. Take good care and please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Angela, Sophia and Mark (Tomaszewski)
Kleinsasser

March 11, 2014

Liz, so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you and your family.

Rita Keefe Nolan
Class of 71

Noel Ramos

March 10, 2014

To the Swift family, prayers and love. May God bless you - from Noel, Nicole, and Cecillia Ramos

Candace Miller

March 10, 2014

Liz and Mary -
So sorry for your loss. May Jesus hold you in the palm of His hand during this most difficult time.
Much Love & Prayers -
Candy Miller

John & Holly Asbach

March 10, 2014

To the entire Swift Family ....
Sorry for your loss - Prayers to All - Steve will be greatly missed ...

Patty Hall Schmidt

March 10, 2014

Liz-I know that all of our classmates are so sad for your loss; you and your daughter are in our thoughts and prayers.

March 10, 2014

I have very fond memories of hiking trips back in high school with Steve and Liz Swift. I am so very sorry - you are in my thoughts and prayers. - Kris Mann

Mimi Krsak

March 10, 2014

The community of St. Joseph Parish will celebrate Steve's life at 7 a.m. on May 21 and 28...but our love and prayers are will you every day.

Ed and Mary Ann Geraghty

March 10, 2014

"...may God hold him in the palm of His hand." Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your families as you miss his wonderful presence in your lives.

Sara Pringle-Leekley

March 10, 2014

I knew Mr. Swift because he was an integral part of the Holy Names Hiking Club in the 1980s. We loved his sense of humor and enthusiasm for the outdoors.
On behalf of HNA clas of 1984, I send our heartfelt condolences to the Swift family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

March 10, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Fluke several years ago. I remember that he always had a smile on his face, had something funny to say, and good advice when I needed it. He always provided support and a great attitude that I could count on. I have missed him ever since he left Fluke. I hope all of the wonderful memories you have of spending quality time with Steve give you comfort. Becky Schmidt

Dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory on Nov 29, 2013

Ali Edson

March 10, 2014

My heart aches for you in this time of sorrow, Aunt Liz and cousin Mary (family by choice) - while I had only a few moments of the warmth and light that Steve shared with those around him, they are treasured memories. I loved it when he commented on the green lights I used to decorate my wedding reception, saying that green was the color of light most easily seen by human eyes! Every time I spoke with Steve, he generously shared his knowledge with a smile and a glint in his eye, as if he had just learned something SO COOl and couldn't wait to talk about it. He always put me at ease, even when years passed between visits. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Shirin Khanna

March 10, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Swift family. He is still remembered for his brilliance and wit years after he left Fluke. It was an honor to work with him. He will truly be missed.

Barbara (Robbins) Wilson

March 10, 2014

Dear Aunt Sally,
So sorry for another loss. Those were wonderful times at the cabin at Nanny and Papa's. I remember Steve even with so many of us there.

Love from the Robbins family

Swift and Flower family at Galen's Wedding

Gabriela Flowers

March 9, 2014

Steve was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Mary and Liz, my thoughts and deepest condolences are with you.

Robin Youngquist

March 9, 2014

So sorry, Susi. I know how difficult it is to lose a brother. You will carry on though, and the memories you had together will remain deep in your heart. I will lift you and your family up in prayer for comfort and peace at this time.

Venetria Patton

March 9, 2014

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results