Richmond, Virginia
Thomas Lawrence Swanson died on Saturday, May 22, 2004. A recent resident of the Commonwealth, Tom spent most of his life in Arizona, following his birth in Kent, Ohio on September 23, 1943. Since 2003 Tom served as director of policy for the Virginia Department of Transportation. He was previously executive director of the Pima Association of Governments in Tucson, Arizona. Under his direction, PAG received numerous national and state awards, including the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Associations. Tom was known by his friends for his charm, intellect and wit. Among his many passions was his collection of vintage Chevy "SS" cars. Tom was widely known for his keen love of cats. Tom's final months were spent in a courageous attempt to recover from a heart attack. He died peacefully in the arms of his beloved and devoted wife, Mary Lynn Tischer Swanson. He is also survived by his two sons, Michael and Matthew, both currently attending the University of Arizona; his sister, Thoma Swanson, o.p., a Dominican sister of Columbus, Ohio; and by six nieces and nephews, Susan, Drew, Jim, David and Tim Swanson and Maureen Sabin. A Mass will be celebrated at Peter's Church at 800 E. Grace St. in Richmond at 12 noon on Wednesday, May 26. Later the family will receive friends at Bliley Funeral Homes' Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A short prayer service will begin at 6 p.m. Interment will be at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent, Ohio. The family will also hold a memorial service for Tom in Tucson in June.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Mary Lynn and Swanson Family:
My deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family. I've known Tom for 18+ years at PAG. He was a dear friend to me and my family. We have alot of memories of Tom at PAG that will always be treasured. He was very well liked here and I will miss him dearly. Take Care and my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Cindy Navarro
June 29, 2004 | Tucson
Dear Mary Lynn,
It's been almost a month since Tom's passing into God's Loving Care. Although, I hadn't sent you and Tom's Sons/Family my condolences, my thoughts and prayers have been with you. It has been very sad for me as Tom was such a close and dear friend. I loved the guy! I have so many fond memories of our great times together since our meeting in 1986. His sense of humor coupled with his professionalism was so unique that he touched many people over the years. I was...
Tony Paez
June 17, 2004 | Tucson, AZ
Dear Mary Lyn,
Thank you for loving and taking care of Tom. He was the one who always took care of others and tended to distain attention for himself. Tom is sorely missed. I was devastated to learn that we all are going to have to get along without him now.
I will always cherish the relationship that we enjoyed over the last 25 years, beginning in 1979 when I went to Tucson to be the director of the PAG transportation planning office. We acomplished a great...
Tom Buick
June 07, 2004 | Tempe, AZ
Mary Lynn,
We were so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. Please know that you are in your VDOT family's thoughts and prayers. May God's love provide you comfort, strength and hope.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Brenda Waters
VDOT Public Affairs
Bristol District
Brenda Waters
June 03, 2004 | Bristol, VA
Dear Mary Lynn,
Tom and I worked many years together and I hold Tom in the highest regard. Even when it seem like we would not be able to accomplish our planning objectives in the face of public dissension Tom's ability to put everything in perspective with a bit of humor was always appreciated. Tom will be missed by all he came in contact with. We share your loss and may God be with you.
Lou
Louis Schmitt
June 02, 2004 | Scottsdale, AZ
Tom's loss removes one of the "Good Guys" from our midst. Tom's irreverent humor kept us "PAGlets" up to speed during difficult times, and he left a legacy of exemplary work in metropolitan government. Many join in sympathetic thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
Karen Heidel
June 01, 2004 | Tucson, AZ
The short time I worked with Tom was a joy. We will all miss him.
Dave Ledford
June 01, 2004 | Chester, VA
Mary Lynn, Tom was one of a kind, the best that this earth has to offer and all of us, his brothers in Beta and family and friends, and more especially YOU, have been blessed to have had Tom in our lives, even if for such a little while. If you ever need anything, please let me know. Hope to meet you one of these days. Sincerely,
Micky Murphy
Micky Murphy
May 31, 2004 | Rid De Janeiro, Brazil
Dear Mary Lynn,
It is of course no surprise that you are getting so many warm and heartfelt messages about Tom. When I talked to him recently on the phone he was his usual positive self and was convincing in his effervesencent attitude that all would be fine. Knowing he was very ill, his comments only further exemplified his life long attitude of keeping people thinking positively reguardless of the situation. He will be missed by all means and hopefully you will be able to quickly...
Garry Morfit
May 29, 2004 | Hilton Head, SC
