Herbert Ryde Swarr

1937 - 2023

Herbert Ryde Swarr was born to Harold R. and Gertrude Swarr of Christiana, Pennsylvania and was the youngest of three siblings. He married Laurel Leah Olsen Swarr in 1963. They had three sons, Eric, Luke, and Morgan.

As a teenager, Herb dreamt of becoming a pilot. After graduating from high school, he attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for flight training. His first major airline job was flying for Continental Airlines.

Herb and Laurel moved to the Denver area in 1963 for employment with Continental. In 1964, they moved to Brighton and established a family. Herb flew for Continental until 1984 and went on to fly for Emery Worldwide Airlines until retirement in 2001. He flew many iconic commercial aircraft such as the Vickers Viscount, Lockheed Super Constellation (engineer), DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, DC-7, DC-8, DC-9, C-46, Beech-18, and the Boeing 727.

Finally, after mandatory retirement, he was an engineer on the DC-10. Ironically, this DC-10 was originally a Continental aircraft.

Herb was an incredibly active individual. He loved working on his property up until his last three months. Much of his activity was centered around horses. Herb was a fine horseman showing and jumping as a youth. Later, his equestrian activities were focused on trail-riding all over Colorado. He particularly liked to ride with his boys, friends, and relatives in the Ute and Papoose basins.

Known for his generosity, high- spirted personality and colorful character, Herb was well regarded by his fellow pilots, family, and friends. He was especially proud of his sons and grandchildren. Herb and Laurel maintained a strong tradition of family gatherings that included lively Christmas celebrations.

Herbert is survived by his sons Eric (Vicki), Luke (Sandy), and Morgan (Tina). Herb and Laurel have nine grandchildren, Jerrett (Val), Mason, Kaden, Tyler (Sarah), Andrew, Matthew, Austin, Allison, and Alayna. They have one great granddaughter, Abigail. Herb is preceded in death by his wife Laurel, his parents, his older brother Harold D. Swarr and his sister Ruth Ellen.

Herb is with his savior Jesus Christ.