Dennis Swift

Dennis grew up in southeast New Mexico, just west of the Texas border and not far from Roswell and White Sands National Park - which he, always ready to interject some humor, would often describe as looking like 100,000 square miles of kitty litter. He was the second of three sons born to Lawrence (Larry) Swift and Charlene (Dye) Swift.

In High School Dennis developed rapidly academically, athletically, and spiritually. His range of knowledge and talent ran so wide that while he would eventually major in theology and ministry, he earned a full culinary scholarship offer. He was also a gifted long distance runner, qualifying for the Olympic Trials in marathon. And when he was just sixteen years old, he prayed to receive Christ at a James Robeson evangelism event and answered a divine calling to preach from that day forward.

Dennis studied for multiple degrees at six different universities and colleges, completing his B.A. and M.Div. at Point Loma Nazarene University and Th.D. from University of South Africa. Over a remarkable 50 year period, he pastored churches in Missouri, California, and Oregon, notably answering the call of the Lord to plant Church of All Nations in Portland, Oregon, after 17 years leading Beaverton Church of the Nazarene. He preached passionately through November 2022, stretching for the finish line beyond what his physical body could handle.

Known as "Dr. Dino" to thousands worldwide, Dennis' charismatic storytelling, humor, unique discoveries, treasure trove of artifacts, and photographic memory captivated adults and children alike. Dennis launched the longest running, most attended creation conference, the Northwest Creation Conference, gaining recognition as a subject matter expert in dinosaur and ancient human archaeology.

He appeared in various tv shows and publications in the US, Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, and Russia for his work in this field. He authored the book "Secrets of the Ica Stones and Nazca Lines" after decades of research and discoveries in Turkmenistan, Peru, Bolivia, Mexico, Cambodia, Israel, and his beloved southwestern United States. Dennis was well known for always looking for the opportunity to minister to those in need when he worked in these locations, coming to gain the name "el Super Pastor" in the communities surrounding Nazca, Peru.

Dennis retired to Georgia near his daughter (Rory), son-in-law (Lee), and their 6 children. Dennis was preceded by his beloved wife Sharon (Kendall) Swift and is survived by Rory, Lee, Elisha (19), Eva (17), Maisey (15), Willoughby (13), Ahijah (11), and Titus (4) Cookman; his daughter Jenna (Swift) Dukes; and his son Joel, daughter-in-law Ellie, with their children Nolan (11), Nolan (8), and Emery (1) Swift. He will be missed greatly by thousands worldwide including his church members, creation conference attendees, family, friends, marathon running mates, and staff at every Mexican restaurant in the greater Beaverton area.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday, January 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.