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Derek Swinson Obituary
Dr. Derek B. Swinson passed peacefully at home with his wife, Jo Ann, at his side, on March 11, 2023. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on November 5th, 1938, he grew up in the coastal town of Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, where his love of sea, music and theater was fostered. He Thought he would be a lawyer or an actor, instead a scholarship provided him with an honors degree in physics from Queens University Belfast. Then with his accordion in tow and drawn to nearby ski areas, which peaked his newest interest in skiing, he pursued post graduate studies in physics at University of Calgary Alberta Canada. He also ventured into the Irish music scene in Calgary and with two other musicians, the original Irish Rovers were formed. Thinking a Physics PHD would provide a more consistent income than performing with a band, he accepted a position at UNM, where he was a respected professor for 30 years, often entertaining his students with his music. While at UNM, his research in Cosmic Radiation brought him recognition as author and coauthor of many papers and articles and allowed him to travel the world. In addition, he began a successful career in Accident Reconstruction, which also inspired several articles and included all manner of accidents as far away as Hawaii and skiing accidents that allowed for a lot of great skiing. Besides his professional careers, he was well known for his music, entertaining at many venues in Albuquerque with his Irish and Scottish ballads, his own political satire songs and humorous songs he penned for the Cosmic Ray Association's conferences and any other event that inspired his clever and musical mind. You could also find him in various community theater productions at ALT and the Classics Theater, as a Sandia Crest ski instructor and coaching Albuquerque Youth Soccer. Derek is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, sons Brian and Kevin, their wives Suzette and Julia and his adored granddaughters, Emily and Sara. He is missed and loved by many and will be remembered for his wit, charm and many talents and accomplishments. His was a full life and certainly well lived.
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Memories and Condolences
for Derek Swinson
Will Millar
May 31, 2025
Haloo Just surfing through the net looking for old friends. Sad to discover Derek has joined the ' heavenly choir' We played together for a while in Calgary before I formed the Irish Rovers. Here's a pix from those days. Love Will Millar
John Emberson
December 18, 2024
I remember Derek as a supportive friend and and as an amusing companion, from 1960 when he and I landed in Calgary, when the new campus of UAC was opened. Bob Jenkins is also a survivor from those days. Derek´s family members must have many happy memories to overcome their sadness.
John Marsh
October 23, 2024
I remember Derek, and John Emberson from grad. student parties in Calgary when Derek provided great musical entertainment with Irish folk songs, some of which I still remember. John Marsh, Trent University, Ontario
David Wolfe
May 29, 2024
Oh I do ever so well remember coming to Albuquerque back in 1971 and renting Derek's house as he was off on sabbatical. And a friendship that lasted for many years. I really appreciate the chance to read this and remeber him. Thank you!
Suzanne Taichert
July 11, 2023
Derek was always kind to me, said he worked with my father Atty Bob Taichert, something about construction. I enjoyed making music w/ Derek at Scottish gatherings, and having jovial conversations at the IAS-NM parties. Condolences! Derek is missed.
John Emberson
June 26, 2023
I, John Emberson, arrived with Derek in Calgary in 1960. We Joined Bob Jenkins and Chandra Nehra as the first physics graduate students on the new UAC campus. Apart from contact in the Physics department, we were involved with Dick Wall and Margaret Clayton in starting the Debating Society, which was prominent in the University. Derek and I shared accommodation , with others for three years. He was a witty , lively musical companion. We also played field hockey, and were in at the start of the UAC club. Derek got his doctorate just before me, so my first visit on leaving Calgary was to him in Albuquerque. Memories are warm and strong, and we continued to keep in touch, me from Belfast.
I hope Jo-Anne and family will find strength from happy memories.
John.
Niame Adele
June 14, 2023
Great guy! Loved his sons and knew he was so lucky with his wife, Jo Ann, and she with him. He gave a lot to the world and those close to him.
David Wolfe
June 12, 2023
Oh Oh Oh, I had no idea until I received a notice just now, the 12th of June. And Derek was my very first contact in Albuquerque when we moved there in 1971, oh so long ago. He was off on sabbatical and we were able to sub-let his house at 310 Hermosa. I am just so shocked and so saddened by this major loss. I send love to his family, of course, and hope that the fond memories of many friends will be at least some comfort.
Nini Lujan
June 11, 2023
Derek packed several lifetimes into his 84 years on this earth. How absolutely fortuitous that JoAnn had him for the last 44 years! You two set the bar pretty high for us mere mortals.
Shannon
June 10, 2023
I am so sorry for everyone's loss, and so grateful to have known him. I will hold you all in my heart.
UNM Physics and Astronomy Department
June 7, 2023
You can hear Dr. Swinson's songs here http://physics.unm.edu/pandaweb/history/swinson.php
Cherie McKinstry
June 6, 2023
Derek was always the life of the party with his wit and music. I will remember him fondly. He was such an intelligent man, but humble, and always bringing smiles to those around him.
Mary Kay Bisso
June 6, 2023
So many happy memories with Derek and Joanne. His smile and hugs were infectious. He was so talented and smart. I wish that was a common trait but Derek was a master. I can hear an Irish song and remember him always with a smile and luv in my heart .! Can't wait to see again in heaven.
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