Dennis L. Swanson

Dennis L. Swanson

NEWCASTLE, WYO. | Dennis Lance Swanson died Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, in Newcastle.

Dennis began his life on August 5, 1950, born to Lance and Betty Lou Swanson of St. Cloud, Minnesota. Dennis' parents were already in the hardware business working with the Coast to Coast Franchise and an opportunity moved the family to Great Falls, Montana, when Dennis was about five-years-old. Dennis was educated in Great Falls and graduated from Charles M. Russell High School in 1968.

After high school graduation, Dennis attended the University of Montana at Missoula and majored in business. His senior year he was chosen to participate in a new form of experimental education program called Round River. It was through Round River he learned life skills such as building a home, survival techniques, growing and harvest of crops, photography, music and love zest for life and nature. He practiced the skills he learned throughout his life.

It was this time he took a break from the business to explore the world. He entered into an artist apprenticeship with Ross Ward an artist from New Mexico. They traveled the south to the east coast and painted carnival rides from all over the United States. After finishing in New Mexico, Dennis put on a suit and tie every morning and went to work for American Furniture in Albuquerque, NM. He missed business life in a retail environment. He soon realized he missed his home state of Montana and the hardware business more.

He moved back to Great Falls and took up working in the family hardware business. He helped his family working in the downtown store by day and helping to build the new store on 10th Avenue at night. With the efforts of Dennis, his parents and the employees, their store was the first "million dollar" store in the Coast to Coast Franchise. The experience in the hardware business lead to his life long calling, and he purchased the store in Newcastle. At this time, he met Carol Ann Eckberg Clavadetscher and was married in Great Falls. Dennis also raised Carol's son, Andrew Clavadetscher as his own, and will forever be known as "Pops."

Swanson's Hardware Hank was the fixture in Dennis' life from 1982 until his passing. He was the Chairman of the Board for United Hardware, Hardware Hank's parent company for 12 years. His dedication to the store, his customers and his community are what made Dennis the most happy. He loved the community of Newcastle and most importantly the people that touched his life.

He retired from the hardware business in 2008, and spent his retirement golfing, spending time traveling to visit with his son and the friends he made over the last 25 years. The store and helping people in need was what made Dennis the person he was. It was what made him the happiest, being able to help someone else before himself. Many will remember Dennis for the store and the way he always treated everyone with respect. To his friends and family he was a wonderful caring person, who always made everyone laugh with a joke or a smile.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol Swanson; his beloved son, Andrew Clavadetscher and his beloved daughter-in-law, Cynthia Davis Clavadetscher. Dennis is also survived by his mother, Betty Lou Swanson of Great Falls; as well as his brother, Peter Kevin Swanson, also of Great Falls.

Dennis was preceded in death by this brother, Eric, and father, Lance.

A Celebration of Life service was held Sept. 14, at the First Methodist Church in Newcastle. Worden Funeral Directors was in charge of cremation.

Dennis will travel to Great Falls for a celebration with his family and friends and then will be laid to rest with his father and brother.