Mike Swanson

It is with profound sadness that the family of Michael Fredrick Swanson, 76, announces his peaceful passing on Friday, December 6 at his home in Lake Oswego. Mike was born on July 30, 1948, to Oscar and Lillian Swanson in Cherokee, Iowa. In 1956, the family moved to Spencer, Iowa where Mike spent his youth, eventually welcoming siblings Steve, Charles, and Rebecca.
Michael grew up with parents who instilled in him core values of family, friendship, hard work, and community. He was known for his sense of humor, keen intelligence, passion for justice, kindness, and love of his family. Michael was a talented and accomplished trumpet player and was especially proud to have been first trumpet in the Hawkeye Marching Band at the University of Iowa. He and his father cultivated a very special relationship with famed jazz trumpeter for the Johnny Carson Show – Doc Severinsen. He loved sharing those stories with all who would listen. Although Mike and his brothers lived far away from each other, the three of them found ways to remain connected, eventually arranging weekly phone calls, which he looked very forward to.
Mike graduated from Spencer High School in 1966 and went on to study at University of Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degree and Masters in English as well as a Law degree, and joined the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa. While at University of Iowa, he met Judith Pave, and they married in New York City in
the summer of 1971. They lived in Denver, Colorado for 13 years, where Mike served as Assistant County Attorney and was then asked to serve as County Manager, which he did.
Mike and Judith later moved to Oregon, where he became the County Administrator for Clackamas County. He then worked as a government contractor, which sent him all over the country. Though his job took him far, he would always bring back stories of adventures for his family. His final government position was as City Manager of
Milwaukie where he fought passionately for projects that would benefit the people of the city the most. Those he worked with remember him as a "defender of his staff, who was both honest and giving." He retired from the City of Milwaukie in 2009.
In 1988, Mike and Judith welcomed their daughter Rachel Erin Swanson. Together the three shared a rich full life, travelling around the country and internationally, including trips to see family in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and Iowa. Mike especially loved their trips to Penobscot Bay, Maine and to the San Juan Islands and British Columbia. Much of these trips were spent hiking and being in the outdoors. Mike's deep passion for the outdoors sparked a similar flame in Rachel.
Mike had a huge heart full of empathy for others. He cared deeply for both his immediate and extended family and provided presence and support during challenging
times. Mike's interests included reading, golf, music, cooking gourmet meals for his family, gardening, and sharing his thoughts on the political climate. His love of books was so strong, he often was reading at least three books at a time with a growing library of books yet to be read. Family and friends remember him fondly for his constant humming and singing and his creative lyric revisions.
Mike actively participated in Havurah Shalom and took great pleasure in the Passover Seders he and Judith hosted for family and friends at their home for over 25 years.
Mike loved and was loved greatly. He will be missed deeply by all who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents and by his sister Rebecca and his brother Steve. He is
survived by his wife Judith, daughter Rachel, son-in-law Yugo, brother Chuck, sisters-in- law, extended family, and dear friends who were family.
Contributions in Mike's memory may be made to:
Oregon Food Bank
https://give.oregonfoodbank.org/give/92782/#!/donation/checkout
or
WWOZ New Orleans
https://wwoz.plannedgiving.org