Garrett Shane Swift

Garrett Shane Swift, 54 of Gaylord, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Born on December 20, 1969, in Grayling, Garrett is the son of Gerald M. and Carolyn A. (Hamler) Swift. 

He recently married his longtime love, Deborah (Petersen) Swift. He loved all his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a loving son, husband, stepfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and grandfather. The grandchildren called him “Papa G.”

Garrett was an animal lover, who especially loved dogs, cats, and birds. His favorites included dogs, Sadie and Rita, and cats, Murphy and Stevie. 

Garrett will be remembered by his family and friends for his intellect. He was well versed in many topics and always happy to engage in conversation and debate. He was not a simple “yes” or “no” answer guy, he always had to tell why everything was the way it was! 

Garrett was passionate about the game “Magic the Gathering”, something he also shared with family. He enjoyed the opportunity to once travel for a tournament in Las Vegas. 

Garrett was also a sports enthusiast. In his youth he enjoyed playing hockey, and throughout his life he enjoyed following all sports, both college and professional. He especially loved the Detroit Red Wings. 

Garrett was a professional chef. He had worked at the Virginia Beach County Club, in Gaylord at the Sugar Bowl restaurant, and Treetops, and at Boyne Mountain resort. His many coworkers looked to him as a mentor.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; his mother, Carolyn Swift of Lovells; his stepchildren, Ken (Amanda) Carranza of Grand Rapids, and Melissa Houtz of Coldwater; eight grandchildren; brothers, Lincoln Swift of Muir, and Patrick (Anita) Znidaric of Munich, Germany; his sister, Dawn (Allen) Cail of Chesapeake, VA; a sister-in-law, Sandra (Bob) Tyo of Gaylord; his mother-in-law, Sally Terwilliger of Houghton Lake; his aunt, Helen (Roger Caris) Hamler; and nieces and nephews, River Swift, Emily (Devin) Mooneyhan, Brian (Casey) Cail, Tyler Cail, and Vanny Znidaric. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Swift; and a stepson, Brad Lennox.

Arrangements for a memorial celebration are pending and will be announced later. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to the animal shelter of their choice.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.