Tony Lynn Swan

1954 - 2024

TONY LYNN SWAN

November 10, 1954 - January 29, 2024

Tony Lynn Swan passed away on January 29, 2024 at his desert home in LaQuinta, CA. He was 69 years old. Tony was born in Lawton, OK on November 10, 1954, and moved to Bakersfield, CA when he was two years old. He grew up attending Bakersfield City schools and was a member of the first graduating class of the new Highland High School and then went on to attend Bakersfield Junior College.

Tony had a successful career of 31 years as a Kern County Communications Technician maintaining mobile radio equipment, installing antenna systems, and climbing those high radio towers, which we've all seen, to make sure emergency and necessary communications were always working. He loved his work as he was often working in remote areas, in his element, high atop a mountain sitting on his perch at the top of a radio tower enjoying a magnificent, breathtaking view.

Tony loved the outdoors, especially hiking and backpacking in his beloved Sierra Nevada. He was a longtime member of the Sierra Club and was a competent and responsible leader of many organized hikes and backpacking trips. His friends would agree he was someone you could always count on able to handle whatever situation might arise. Tony was a natural mountaineer, climbing many 14,000-foot peaks, such as Russell and Tyndall, and leaving his name in the summit register with all the other peak baggers. He loved to fish and swim in the icy lakes, including Tulainyo, the highest lake in the Sierra. A trademark end to a fun backpacking adventure was a nice cold beer at the trailhead.

Tony was a natural and enthusiastic athlete. After retiring from Kern County, he had the time to actively pursue his many interests. He played tennis competitively and was a member of Bakersfield Racquet Club. He was an avid bicyclist and competed in grueling Century Rides. He competed as a swimmer in Ironman Triathlons and was a competition level West Coast Swing dancer. In 2015 while swing dancing Tony met his wife, Cathy, who was the love of his life as he was hers. Their love for each other was deep, unconditional, and selfless. Once together, they were never apart. She introduced him to golf and like other sports, he learned fast and played well. Together they traveled the world and experienced countless magical moments together and made unforgettable, treasured memories. Tony always said his favorite trip of all was driving their motorhome to Newfoundland and Labrador... a grand, months long, exciting and fun adventure.

Tony was a man of uncompromising character and integrity and above all, he was a true gentleman. He could do whatever he set his mind to whether it was building something, fixing something, or learning something new. He loved to look at the stars and planets with his telescope. He knew all the constellations. He was a history buff and could remember and recite names, dates, and places like a college professor. He loved all kinds of music, especially jazz, and he always knew what musician was playing what instrument. His memory was extraordinary.

Although Tony battled cancer with all his might the last 8 years of his life, his mental and emotional strength, plus the love and caring of Cathy, enabled him to appreciate, and enjoy every moment. They made it a point to laugh every day and to dance whenever the mood would strike no matter where they were... with or without music.

Tony felt very strongly about encouraging men to get tested for prostate cancer and told all his friends how important it was to not ignore it or be embarrassed by it. Throughout his life he was passionate about giving blood and was diligent in donating his rare blood type as often as he was allowed. In doing this, Tony directly impacted and helped so many, many people. He was very proud to be a member of the 10-gallon Club at Houchin Community Blood Bank... quite an accomplishment. He was repaid for his generous gifting of blood as blood transfusions kept Tony alive for the last year of his life. Giving the rarest of gifts would truly be a way to honor Tony.

Tony's positive spirit, unwavering courage, unquenchable curiosity, and his desire to live life to its very fullest is an inspiration to his many friends who were fortunate to share his life.

Tony is survived by his wife, Cathy Osborn; his mother, Rose Swan; his sister, Laurie Swan; his niece, Amanda (Michael) Allen and their children, Chase and Hannah. He was predeceased by his stepfather, Glen Swan.

As Tony wished, no formal service would be held.

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