Duane W. Swanson

Thanks to Mike Burley for informing me of Coach Swanson's 2019 passing.
I was on that same 1969 BHS Tennis Team with Keith Douglas...then 1970... My Senior Year, 1971, at the Awards Banquet, stepping up to the podium, Coach smiled, took the Mic, then admitted he didn't realize that I had lost only 1 match since middle of the 1970 Season...when I took over the #1 Singles Slot from an injured Dave Vale. He looked over at me...my parents...and said he was sorry about not realizing that fact; that he likely would've placed me in the Singles Spot at Districts, instead of Doubles. Laughter.
That's Duane Swanson, honest, self-effacing, totally likeable.
I was very very blessed, to have spied him jogging along Baldwin Lake in 2016. My Mother had just passed and I was driving to meet my siblings to finalize memorial plans.
I drove-up right next to him; calling out, "Hey Oldtimer, you need a Lift.?"
He recognized me right away, jumped-in, we talked, mainly laughed for an hour.
He was still playing tennis, coincidentally, at North Ridge Racquet Club, where I got my first Tennis Pro job...in 1975.
He said, he saw my brother Marc playing there a few times.
Great person. So glad to have him as a Teacher, Coach and finally, a Friend.

Just found out about Mr Swanson. He was a great tennis coach and a good man. He will be missed.

My condolences to Duane's Family. We played tennis together for the last several years, and he was a competitor . He loved playing , and I hope he will get the chance to play a few matches in heaven .

Best regards to Duane's Family and treasure all the memories .

Tony Donofrio

so sorry to hear i didnot have him as a teacher not sure of my three sisters he will be missed

I had the honor of playing tennis on Coach Swanson's first team in 1969. Thanks for being there for all of us Coach

Keith Douglas BHS class of 1969

My prayers are with your family. As a student as Berea High many years ago. He was one of my favorite teachers. Always was kind, had a great smile and supportive as well.

Wonderful Science teacher at Berea High School during my time there.

Kurt Karpen BHS Class of 1981

My thoughts are with the family of Mr. Swanson. I was fortunate to be a student of his in high school. I am thankful that I was able to tell him in writing and in person what a lasting impression his teaching had had on me. His enthusiasm and creativity reached us all. Rest in peace Mr. Swanson.