Jon William Swanson

 Jon William Swanson

February 13, 1946 - December 30, 2025

Jon Swanson died on December 30, 2025, following heart surgery while surrounded by his wife and children. Jon was born on February 13, 1946, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Arthur and Elizabeth Swanson. His father Art was a chemist whose job for munitions plants in the 50's prompted frequent moves. Jon attended five different elementary schools. By his 7th grade, the family settled in Carbondale, Illinois. He was the third child of four in a tight-knit family.

Jon graduated from Allegheny College (B.A.), Indiana University (M.S.) in College Student Personnel Administration and the University of Michigan (Ph.D) in Higher Education. He met Cathy Beagle in their masters program, marrying in July, 1971. They lived in Jackson, Albion, and Ann Arbor Michigan over 20 years while he pursued his doctorate and jobs. With a research area in financial development and long-term planning, he gravitated to medical schools-U of M School of Pharmacy, U of M School of Medicine, and later the Tulane Medical School in New Orleans.

Jon was a devoted family man. He and Cathy raised Cara (1977) and Philip (1980) in Michigan and New Orleans. Vacations to the New York and Colorado parents created strong bonds among the next generations, thanks to the loving examples of Betz and Art and Jane and Chauncey Beagle. When Cathy's mother Jane was in the later stages of Alzheimer's, Jon suggested the family move to Boulder to help with the care team. A surprising gesture, as Tulane was a favorite job of his while completing a successful Capital Campaign. Jon found fulfillment in retiring to Boulder's Via-Mobility for Life, as a driver, trainer and ultimately co-sharing Community Outreach. Among other interests were Boy Scouts (Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow, Scout leader), basketball (A.A.U. Men's Masters), coin collecting and civic engagement.

Jon and Cathy have two children Cara (Andy) and Phil (Joye) and five grandchildren, Elle, Anderson, Quinn, Evelyn and Colette. All in Atlanta. Jon is survived by his sister Suzanne (Keith) and brothers Andy (Karla) and Jim (Judi). Many Beagle in-laws and their families live locally.

If you wish to make a contribution in Jon's name, please choose a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held June 21, 2026, Sunday at 1:00 pm in the chapel of Grace Commons Church of Boulder. A reception will follow.