Ray Swanson

Western artist Ray Swanson Ray Swanson, age 67, passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on December 17, 2004. He had been ill for several months with complications from multiple myeloma cancer. Ray Swanson was considered one of America's most distinguished painters of native Americans of the southwest as well as various cultures around the world, most renowned for his Navajo paintings. Ray was born in Alcester, South Dakota on October 4, 1937. He grew up on a farm with his parents, two brothers and a sister. He met his future wife, Beverly Anderton, at Alcester High School. After his father passed away, the family moved to California where Ray graduated from Northrup Aeronautical Institute. Bev joined him later in California and they were married December 26, 1959. The marriage was blessed with two children, Pamela and Steven. In 1973 the family moved to Prescott, AZ where Ray was active in First Baptist Church and co-founder of the Christian Academy of Prescott. He was also an original board member of the Phippen Western Art Show. After moving to Phoenix in 1986, he was invited to become a member of the prestigious Cowboy Artists of America. He served as president of the organization in 1994 and this past year. Ray has received numerous honors and awards in his art career. Because of Ray's love of adopted children, he donated his time and artwork to the Christian Family Care Agency in Phoenix. Ray was sensitive, painted with passion and understanding. His work was eloquent, relevant and honest. His career started as a young man when he inherited his grandfather's oils and drawing supplies. He always felt very blessed to have a career he loved so much. Ray is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughter, Pamela Pierce and her husband, David, their children, Victoria, Jacquelyn, Preston and Parker; his son, Steven Swanson and his wife, Stephanie, their children, Cody and Justin; his mother and stepfather, Verna and Don Ring; his brothers, Art and Gary; sister, Mary Dodge; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 at 3:00PM, at Desert Springs Bible Church, 16215 N. Tatum, Phoenix, AZ. 602-996-9000. Visitation will be Wednesday at the church. Please call Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary at 480-991-5800 for visitation times. The family requests memorials go to the Christian Academy of Prescott, AZ.

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