Name: Calling hours for William Donald Swift
Start: 2024-02-19T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-02-20T00:00:00.000Z
Location: FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services

William Donald "Bill" Swift, 87, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2024, with family present. Born February 28, 1936, Bill was the son of the late Alpheus and Gladys Swift. Bill graduated from South Side High School in 1954; Indiana University School of Business in 1958; Indiana School of Law in 1964. While attending Indiana University he served as president of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He served in the US Navy from 1958-1981 and retired as Commander. He practiced law from 1964-2021. He served as legal counsel for both the Fort Wayne Board of Realtors and Fort Wayne Home Builders Association for over 30 years. Bill married Sue Borkenstein on December 17, 1960 and remained married for 63 years. He was active in his faith and was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne. He served in various charitable organizations and was a proud member of the Friars. Bill was a dedicated fan of IU football and basketball, the Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts. He had a great and rewarding career and played as hard as he worked. He was blessed with many countless friends and colleagues. Bill had his battle with cancer and was an eight and a half year survivor. Bill is survived by his loving wife Sue Swift; sons William "Matthew" (Tracee) Swift Sr., Mark Robert (Cindy) Swift, Alan Herbert (Raleigh) Swift; and his grandchildren, Will Swift, Jr., Benjamin Swift, Margaret Swift, Marcus Swift, Mallory Swift, Luke Swift and Sam Swift; step grandchildren, Stephanee Davis and Andrew Santom. He is also survived by his sister Betty Debolt. Funeral Service will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 3425 Crescent Avenue, with calling one hour prior. Calling on Monday, February 19, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton Street. Entombment with Navy Honors will be at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Vincent Village are greatly appreciated.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Feb. 17, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Swift

5 Entries

Bill Gething

February 22, 2024

I am very saddened to hear of the news of Bill Swifts passing this morning. I had the pleasure, honor and privilege of working with Bill dozens, if not hundreds of times during my 42 years in the real estate business. We worked together back in the 80's with a small group of Realtors and attorneys from around the state for the Indiana Association of Realtors coming up with the new statewide forms for IAR, worked with him during the 90's and early 2000's during my time as a director and officer of the Fort Wayne Area Association of Realtors, as Bill was the legal counsel for the Association, worked with him extensively with our local forms committee for FWAAR, and worked with him up until my retirement in 2021 as he was also the legal council for the real estate firm that I was associated with. What I knew about Bill Swift was his high ethical standards, his high moral character, class, civility, and how he showed respect to those he worked with. I called him many times whenever I had a real estate question and he was always so gracious with his time. Without a doubt one of the top real estate minds in the industry. I learned so much from him which made me a better Realtor for my clients and my peers. His passing is a huge loss for the local legal and real estate communities. Bill Swift fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith...and so now the crown of righteousness is his. Rest in peace Bill and may your loved ones find comfort and peace in the love and the grace and the mercy of our Lord and Savior.

Tim Pape

February 20, 2024

I had the great pleasure of getting to know Bill by practicing law alongside him for few years in the twilight of his enormously successful career. I remember as a young lawyer hearing his name and how he was talked about by lawyers and feeling intimidated by his success. What a joy to meet and get to know him as the courtly and kind gentleman, with a firm backbone and practical approach to lawyering. Bill had style - his dress, his manner and how he lived his life. It seemed he was telling me every week about some trip or get together he and Sue were doing with some part of their seemingly endless group of friends. I regularly thought, gosh, Bill really knows how to live. I´m grateful i was able to spend some time with him.

Coleen, Kim and Keri

February 20, 2024

Our deepest condolences on the passing of such a sweet man! I´ll always remember the summer he let us borrow the IU van with that crazy horn, to vacation in Michigan! What great memories we have of Bill!

Kevin Butts

February 18, 2024

It was an honor to know Bill. An honest and upfront attorney every time he came in front of the County. Rest in Peace

Fr. John H. Delaney

February 17, 2024

Dear Sue and Family, I remember Bill well when he was so helpful to me and Matt Harrison on the St. Peter´s-Zion Lutheran Project in the surrounding neighborhood of the two churches. He was quick to share his windfall in the Tippman lawsuit won against (nameless). A good and generous man and so kind to work with, truly living his Christian beliefs to help in an inner-city project for the good of the poor and their living conditions. It all began at a Prayer Breakfast downtown in a conversation we had that particular morning. Blessings to you and sympathy at this time of loss. Bill´s good deeds go with him.

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