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BORN
1928
DIED
2016
Ralph Swift Obituary
Ralph H. "Hal" Swift of Sparks died on August 31, 2016. He was born December 17, 1928 in Speedway City, Indiana to Gleda (Shepherd) Swift and Allen Jacob Swift. He was educated in Indiana and Arizona public schools.
A professional musician in the 1940s, he was a bassist with the Phoenix Concert Orchestra, now the Phoenix Symphony. He performed with a number of outstanding jazz artists of the day including guitarist Howard Roberts and pianist Pete Jolly. He also worked with the young Marty Robbins.
Hal was a U.S. Navy radio operator and Morse Code specialist in the Japan occupation forces, and served during the Korean War.
He worked many years in Reno area radio, after coming here from Sacramento in 1967. His was a familiar voice on KOH, the "old" KSRN and the "new" KSRN, KCRL, and KHWG. He was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame in August of 2005.
In Hal's later years, he wrote and published stories and poems about Nevada and the West. He also recorded several CDs of his poetry.
Hal is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carol June (DeBra), a retired teacher; son Gary (Rose) of Gardnerville; son David of Reno; son Brian (Lesley) of Greenville, SC; five grandchildren; a sister, Betty, and several nephews and nieces in Arizona.
No memorial service is planned but friends and fans are encouraged to check out Hal's book Cowboy Poems and Outright Lies from the Washoe County Library.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Swift
Kathie curtiss
January 21, 2017
To the family of Carol and Hal Swift: My condolences to all of you. I knew Hal mostly through correspondence I have had with his wife, Carol, for some time. His wife and I were neighbors many years ago in Torrance, California.
November 12, 2016
Hal Swift as I called him was the most kindest person he had a way with words the same as Marty Robbins did. Hal called him Martin which was his name. Hal wrote for our newsletter. We sell his book in our gift shop. I know he is in Heaven playing in that Big Band. God Bless Carol and Gary.
I saved his emails We all will miss Hal. He was one of a kind.
Juanita Buckley Willcox Az
Debbie Rossi
November 7, 2016
Dear Mrs Swift and family, Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Mr Swift. Although it has been a few years - I always enjoyed visiting your house and loved your family! Mr Swift was so nice and I enjoyed him so much!
Debbie Lopez Rossi
from Probasco Way
Jenaca
October 17, 2016
Hal - you were always kind to me. It was nice to be trusted and respected by such a man. Much love to you and Carol, my friend.
Jen Howell
September 29, 2016
Ralph was a great influence in my life and a great friend to our family. I will cherish the stories, the insight, and the love that he and Carol shared. Thank you for being you, Ralph. Much love.
September 24, 2016
My sincere condolences to your family. May God "who comforts us in all our trials" (2 Cor 1:4) comfort you and your family at such a difficult time. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you (1Peter 5 :7).
Hal was a long-time broadcaster
Gary Swift
September 23, 2016
September 20, 2016
Farewell, Pal Hal. Enjoyed working with you and our long friendship.
Bob Chez
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