Robert Bruce Swan

Robert Bruce Swan passed away in the evening on March 23, 2024 at 78 years young. Robert was born in Uptown New Orleans, the youngest son of an electrical engineer, Herbert Cecil Swan, and a visual artist, Florence Ruth Fowler Swan. Perhaps unsurprisingly, he spent his professional life as an architect after graduating from Louisiana State University School of Architecture, now in the School of Art & Design. Robert worked at the City of New Orleans, Matthis Brierre, and provided construction specification consulting services to a variety of local firms in recent years. He was also heavily involved with Construction Specification Institute, Specification Consultants in Independent Practice, and American Institute of Architects, receiving numerous credentials such as Certified Construction Specifier and Certified Construction Contract Administrator. Robert was honored to join the Construction Specification Institute College of Fellows in 2016. Known as Bob to many, Robert appreciated the camaraderie of the architectural community. Robert met his wife of fifty years, Gail, when they both worked in Corpus Christi, TX as a part of Volunteers in Service to America (now AmeriCorps). Robert proposed at a Mardi Gras parade and the couple relocated to New Orleans shortly after their wedding. During his lifetime, Robert became a father to Rachel, father-in-law to Daniel, and (perhaps most excitedly) a grandfather to Westley (whom he called West) and Maxwell (whom he called Maxey). Robert's family also includes his two older brothers John, of Asheville, NC, and Ned, of Titusville, FL and Henderson, NC, as well as Swans, Nelsons, and others across the country. A man of many talents, Robert volunteered with Friends of New Orleans Public Library and the Jazz & Heritage Festival, attempted to restore a 1965 Studebaker Hawk, had a wry sense of humor, loved catching glass beads, and enjoyed Strawberry Lemonade with Baquet's Trout Almondine at every Jazz Fest. Robert will be celebrated for his dry wit and dedication to his hometown. Robert was diagnosed with a lung condition in 2021 and had been largely asymptomatic. He went into the hospital in early March and passed after a brief but valiant struggle. There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, May 12 from 3-5 pm at Felicity Church (1220 Felicity St., New Orleans, LA 70130). In lieu of flowers, Robert requested donations be made to the LSU College of Art & Design, designated for the School of Architecture (102 Julian T. White Hall, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803). Professional arrangements entrusted to Majestic Mortuary Service, Inc., (504) 523-5872.