Donald N. Swanson

RIP, Don. You are still the best teacher that I was privileged to have. I am proud to say that I am a 28 year Public School Teacher, initially inspired by your. Thank you, Don. .........

Mr Swanson was my 6th grade teacher at Highland Elementary in 1960. Additionally he was a super basketball and baseball coach. I really appreciated the wonderful role model that he was for us. RIP Mr Swanson and thanks for how you contributed to our growth in life!

Don was my 6th Grade teacher at Highland Ave. Elementary School in Westfield. My favorite teacher of all time, great guy. RIP Don. With Gratitude, Bob Bard

I was a Western Circle neighbor and I also was in Don Swanson's 6th grade class in 1964-65 (see remembrances below from 2 of my classmates). He was definitely one of the most important influences on my development. He was the first male teach most of had at Highland Elementary and made it cool for boys to achieve in the classroom. He helped me not just as student but as a well-rounded person through his love of sports and coaching. He taught me that I had to do my very best, even if I was...

He was my favorite elementary school teacher and 'commissioner' of Highland School's flag football league. He was a great role model for the boys lucky enough to be one of his students.

Had the pleasure of working with Don at North Middle School when they moved sixth grade from the elementary school. He was on a team( the dream team) with Clara Page, Claire Gehern, and Marti Petrucelli. The smoke would be flowing out under the door of their prep room, the laughter made you smile, and I missed those days tremendously when they closed NMS. Super Bowl parties, Don & Barbara, taking a cross country trip with my husband, being on the southern rim, hearing this laughter, saying to...

I have many happy memories of Don from growing up on Prospect Hill and his close friendship with my husband at WHS, Monson Academy and the Navy. He was an exceptional teacher,a loving husband to Barbara and a true gentleman.

I also was in Mr. Swanson's sixth grade class in 1964-65, and can honestly state that he was one of the reasons I chose teaching as my profession. How I adored him, and all that he had to say in class. Although I left MA, whenever I've returned to visit my parents, I've had the opportunity to chat with Don at Church of the Atonement. So many like me, were blessed by this loving man.

Donald Swanson was my 6th grade teacher in 1964-1965 at Highland Elementary School in Westfield. He was an excellent teacher and role model. My condolences to his family. His love of nature came through in class. His vivid description of Yellowstone National Park, and his fishing for cutthroat trout, always stuck in my mind. It is not a coincidence that I developed a passion for fly fishing the West for trout. To his everlasting credit, he also let us keep one very well-behaved dog in our...