Ronald J. SWORDS

1952 - 2018

SWORDS, Ronald Jerry (Age 66) May 3, 1952 September 29, 2018 Ronald Swords, 66, passed away peacefully on Septem-ber 29, 2018 at Hospice House North of Spokane after a brave seven year battle with a rare cancer, keeping his dignity with witty, sarcastic humor throughout. Ron was born on May 3, 1952 at McChord AFB, Washington to Gerald and Hildegard (Kern) Swords. Growing up in an Air Force family, Ron lived at Woodbridge AFB, England and at Fairchild AFB, near Spokane, Washington. As a boy Ron played school sports - football, baseball, track and field and was a boy scout. He graduated from Shadle Park HS '70 and went on to study Electrical Engineering and Photography at Gonzaga University, the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University. Ron's lifelong passions included photography, cameras, astronomy, telescopes, the NASA program, camping, bicycling, hiking, birding, telemark skiing, and watching college football with his dad. He also took long distance bicycle riding trips across the US and Canada with friends Tony King and Linda Hinthorne-King. Among his favorite places were the Little Spokane Natural Area, the Canadian Rockies and the Hawaiian Islands, where he photographed birds, trees, animals and surfers. Ron's career included work as a photographer for the Associated Press, Spokesman Review, Bloomsday, Hoopfest, Goodwill Games, EWU, WIAA State Track and Field Championships and bicycle road race events. With a keen eye and talent for getting high quality action shots, in 2017, Ron was inducted into EWU's Athletic Hall of Fame after 30 plus years of service. His camera lens also captured many important family moments. Photos hang in the homes of his loved ones, creating a time machine of holidays, graduations and hikes that they wish they could jump back into. Ron took solace in classical music and quiet places in nature. Free from pain, Ron's starlight will shine in the heavens and his earthly presence seen in the wildflower blooms each spring. Ron is survived by his sisters Karen Troyer (John) and Arlene Swords Humble (Bill). Also five nephews and one niece, grand nephews and nieces and many cousins. Ron will be deeply missed by family and friends. Ron and his family were blessed and grateful for the kind medical teams and surgeons lovingly involved in his care. A family funeral and committal was held in October at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial donations appreciated to Hospice House of Spokane.