Bobby A. Swartz

Bobby Allen Swartz, affectionately known as "Papa" to his family, and "Bob" to all who rode the waves of life alongside him, embarked on his final journey across the cosmos on March 23, 2025, at the sprightly age of 85. Born under the Big Sky of Missoula, MT, on May 27, 1939, and setting sail from Medford, OR leaving behind a wake of laughter and memories. Bob's life was an eclectic mixtape of adventures and passions, starting with his service in the Navy. He wasn't just a veteran; he was the kind of guy whose stories got bigger the older he got. After his stint with the Navy, Bob's creativity found a home in the world of hair, where he snipped and styled as a self-employed hair stylist in the 60's and 70's in sunny Santa Barbara, California. He was a husband to Darlene Rudisill Swartz, a hands-on dad to Jeff and Kristi, a sailor, an ocean diver, a wild boar hunter, and was working on his pilot's license. At the age of 36, life threw Bob a curveball in the form of a stroke, but true to form, he faced it with the tenacity of a starship captain facing down a Klingon armada. Disabled but not disheartened, he turned to the things he loved most: his religion, Eckankar, which gave him solace and strength; the ocean, which reminded him of the vastness of life; and the sky, where he longed to soar with the eagles in his small plane again. Bob's endless attempt at a garden was a testament to his belief in growth and renewal, and his reading list was as diverse as the plants he overwatered. An eternal student, Bob grappled with computers for a quarter-century, proving that persistence is indeed funnier than any punchline. Bob's love for the original Star Trek or a good nature documentary was only rivaled by a great holiday snack spread (hide the cheese tray!). Bob's electric bike was his trusty steed, and he was as well-known to the local firefighters for his sidewalk escapades as he was for his infectious laugh. Bob's family, including his exhausted daughter Kristi Lankford (partner-in-crime Erick Clements), his loving granddaughter Jordin (Lankford) Lesher, son-in-law Dalton Lesher, his great-granddaughter Sophia, "Baby Girl Lesher" (great-granddaughter #2 due in October), and his ever-patient grandson Codi Lankford, who was Papa's IT tech for life, Foy Chandler (his former son-in-law) all kept pace with Bob's relentless zest for life and computer literacy. Wasana Songsakul, his very loved (former) daughter-in-law, always got him laughing and kept him fed at her Thai food cart. He was proceeded in death by all of his siblings and parents. He is survived by many nieces (shout out to Lisa in Utah...he loved you!) and nephews, as well as friends. Bob was predeceased by his former wife, Darlene Swartz, who no doubt had 25 quiet years without him, and his son Jeffrey Swartz, who always helped him find an adventure. Bob loved animals and nature. Two days before he passed, he had a grip on the leash of visiting "Big Biscuit" the family Frenchie, who was his newest love. His love for meeting new people, and occasionally breaking things in the building with his power chair, kept him constantly on the radar at Avamere at Waterford, his home for the last five years. Prior to that, he lived with Kristi and kids in Eagle Point, Oregon for 15 years. Papa never met a stranger, would help anyone, and lost his phone, wallet, or walking stick at least twice a year. He had incredible Karma, however, and almost always had them returned. Bob's legacy is not just in the lives he touched but in the laughter he left behind. His antics kept his family on their toes and often was the subject of family group texts, debating who was closest to the power chair with the dead battery at Wal Mart. As we celebrate the life of Bobby Allen Swartz, let's remember that the universe is a little less colorful without him, but the stars shine brighter for having had him among them. Engage, Papa, to that final frontier, where the laughter is endless, and the adventure is eternal. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bobby, please visit our Tree Store.