Kenneth L Swain Jr.

It's with saddened hearts we announce the passing of Betty Jane (Jindra) Swain (B: 5/11/43) and Kenneth Lester Swain Jr (B: 3/22/43) on October 12th, 2025 and October 25th, 2025. Betty and Ken were both born and grew up together in South Buffalo, NY. They are survived by their daughter, Sandra Roeske (Kevin) of Cattaraugus, NY; son, Kevin Swain (Brandy) of Pike, NY and estranged son, Kenneth Swain III. The couple were blessed to have 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Ken, nicknamed, Brick, graduated from Burgard High School aircraft mechanics course and joined the United States Airforce. He served in Taiwan and finished his service stationed in Dover, Delaware. After his service, he worked for Bell Aerospace in Niagara Falls, NY. He was proud of his work on the lunar landing module project but was a private man who seldom shared stories of his military career or other adventures until late in life. Brick worked at American Brass, Buffalo as a forklift operator in the Casting shop where he retired after 30 years. Betty graduated from South Park High school and went to work for the Bell Telephone company. Betty also worked as a bus driver for Laidlaw Transit on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo, where she was proud to serve as the union president. She changed careers by serving as an Activity Director at The Waters of Orchard Park Nursing Facility and Gowanda Nursing Home. Betty was an avid gardener, crocheter, book collector, and loved putting together puzzles. In retirement, Ken and Betty left South Buffalo and settled on a hobby farm near South Dayton, where they raised Herefords, adopted two wild mustangs, a burro, donkeys and raised rabbits. Betty and Ken had a great love of service and that was shown in their 28-year scouting work with Cub Pack 116. They completed over 10 years involved with Boy and Girl Scouts, finally forming the High Adventure Explorer COED Post 116, taking inner city youth on weeklong canoe and hiking trips into the wilds of Northern Canada and the Adirondack Trail. Please join us for a "Celebration of Life "November 22, 2025 (2:00pm-7:00pm) Ironworkers Local #6 Hall 196 Orchard Park Road West Seneca, NY 14224
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Swain Campership scholarship: Great Falls Council Campership Fund 2860 Genesee Street Buffalo, NY 14225