On Thursday, December 5th, 2019, Stephen Muckerman Swift, fondly known as Big Yea passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59. Big Yea was born on November 29th, 1960 in Chicago, IL to Hampden and Margaret (Muckerman) Swift. Stephen graduated from Lake Forest Country Day School, Lake Forest Academy and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, FL in 1985.

Stephen had a passion to serve and protect others. Joining the Kiwanis Club in April 2004 it became his second family. Stephen embraced bimonthly Kiwanis meetings where his genuine desire, willingness to serve and protect others was a natural fit with their mission of serving youth. At their seasonal fundraisers, you could readily spot him wearing his characteristic, beaming and infectious smile, whole heartedly sharing his contagious good will. Always patient and inclusive, happy to all, willing to listen and offer his help, he was a hit with children, friends, new and old, and the elderly.

Stephen began his day with his fitness routine at the Lake Forest Rec Center, often followed by morning services at St. Mary's Church before going to work at the family owned business, John S. Swift Print Co. Stephen enjoyed dog walking, playing golf, biking, beach swims, movies, travelling and trips to Lake Forest Library. He was lifelong Cubbies and Bears fan. As a voracious reader, he studied U.S. History and enjoyed Mystery and Geography. His Library Card was worn thin! Stephen's loyalty reflected on his family, friends and community in so many helpful and sincere kindnesses. Always a joy to have around, welcoming to all, a gifted listener and eager walking companion, remarkably friendly and loads of fun, made Stephen universally loved!!

Stephen was preceded in death by his father Hampden, his mother Margaret and his brother Hampden, Jr. He is survived by family members Jessica M. Swift, John S. Swift (Mary), Nina E. Swift, Christy S. Maxwell (Peter), Laura C. Swift, Shepard C. Swift (Patricia), Martha Maria Swift, Bryan M. Swift (Lindsey), Stewart G. Swift (Dodie), Sheila S. Keil, Constance J. M. Swift (Quinn Miklos), twenty–three nieces and nephews and the family dogs, Star and Molly. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 11:30 am at Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest, IL. Private interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Kiwanis Foundation of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, P.O. Box 34, Lake Bluff, IL 60044.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Dec. 15 to Dec. 19, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Swift

16 Entries

Elizabeth Waller

December 11, 2021

Elizabeth Waller

December 11, 2021

Elizabeth Waller

December 11, 2021

Elizabeth Waller

December 11, 2021

Oh my goodness (as Stephen used to say!), it remains very touching you sent this out to people...thank you!

I think of him more often than you might think...I happen to even have a picture of him here next to me at a Twelfth Night After Gathering...and BELIEVE ME it was not a wild one...that was not Stephen's, nor my, sort of thing. He was very proper. He was so appreciative and kind. And he and I would have lots of conversations over the years. It is very, very sad that this dear, good soul now remains in our hearts, but not with you all at Christmas.
I do not recall what I first wrote here, but he and his then-wife had me for a most beautiful Thanksgiving in 2007...I will never forget how he truly made it for me as I was very alone then.
I hope to hear from some of you...while I SAW you all at various times, I spent the time with Jessica, Laura, Shep, and most of all Stephen. Jessica may remember helping me throw a surprise birthday for my former husband, and Laura may recall going bowling with that friend of mine who was not well. I hope this finds you all safe, and please call me if you ever want to hear more about Stephen more personally. I miss Chicago terribly, but here I am now...back in Yankee territory lol. Thank you Stephen for the MANY laughs we had together, and I remember he once explained his middle name to me...I also feel like, and I may be wrong here, he said he GOT ALONG WITH ALL OF YOU! And he was so proud of you all as well. Most fondly, Elizabeth Waller 312.405.8288 PS Laura, a Chicago friend may be going to Montana if you would care to have an egg nog with him? Take Care All, e. endend

Elizabeth

November 22, 2020

Oh my goodness...I just learned about the loss of dear Stephen! I am shocked and cannot begin to imagine how hard this continues to be for all of you! I am so very, very sorry to hear this...I knew Stephen for many years in Chicago. Such a pure soul of integrity and good cheer. My heart breaks for all of you. May the strength and love of your family and friends carry you all gently through this time. And may dear Stephen be watching over you all forever. With deepest sympathy and highest regards, Elizabeth Waller

John Casey

June 19, 2020

To all the Swift Family ,

I was a Freshman at St Leos when Steve was a Senior ! I lived in St Edwards hall right next to Steve and we became great friends as all of the guys on our Floor ! Swifty as we called him was one of the NICEST GENTLEMAN I have ever met ! I wish I had known he passed away as I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR HIS FUNERAL ! I am in total SHOCK as I have been trying to get together with him for YEARS ! My deepest Condolences to all of you as your BROTHER HAD A HEART OF GOLD ! So Sorry for your tremendous loss ! He was truly a great friend of mine !

Sincerely,

John Casey
West Haven , Connecticut

Steve Keller

December 29, 2019

Oh Marty, we're very sad to see you go. RIP, old friend!

Steve Keller (LFCDS, 1976)

Robert Troxel

December 24, 2019

We had the good fortune to know Stephen for over 22 years. He was always cheerful and and a pleasure to be around. It is a struggle to think has has left us though we know he is in a better place. We will miss him.

Rob and Rosemary Troxel

David Lanuti

December 19, 2019

Stephen was a great friend who would give you the shirt off his back and ask for nothing in return. He was the first friend I made when I moved to Chicago from Michigan and will miss him greatly. We went on vacations together and he showed me all around Chicago.
We lost track of each other with our busy lives the past few years and was just trying to track him down again after sending him birthday wishes when God took him to Heaven to have another angel. I wish we never would of lost touch with each other as his smile will be missed. To the entire Swift family my condolences and prayers - God got a good one way to early!

December 19, 2019

Dave Bentley

December 18, 2019

Stephen was a friend and fellow Kiwanis member. He attended my birthday parties the last few years. I will miss his smile and laugh. I'm sure the Good Lord will enjoy his company!

Vanessa Clarke

December 17, 2019

Stephen was a shining light every time you encountered him. Such a positive and kind soul. Loved his dogs and walks. He will be missed.

Rob Faurot

December 14, 2019

I will always remember Stephen for the twinkle is his eye, his positive outlook on life, and the smile on his face. What a wonderful guy.

December 13, 2019

Stephen you will be missed by many. Your infectious smile, your love of fun and your extreme kindness and support made so many people happy and feel loved. Devestated that you are gone, but I know I had the best friend on the planet. I will miss you forever. To the entire Swift family I feel your loss and feel so blessed to have had Stephen as a friend. Sending love and hugs to you all. XO Jen

Susan Griffin

December 11, 2019

Stephen was such a kind person with a gentle soul. Kiwanis meetings and events won't be the same without him. My deepest condolences to his family.

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