Eric R. Swanson

1934 - 2015

BORN

1934

DIED

2015

About

University of California Los Angeles Coronado High School

Eric Swanson Obituary

Swanson, Eric R. 05/04/1934 ~ 05/13/2015 SAN DIEGO -- Eric R. Swanson was born in San Diego to Marjorie and Ernest Swanson. He graduated Coronado High School, earned his BA in Physics from Pomona College, and MS in Applied Physics from UCLA. During his 30 years at the Naval Ocean Systems Center, he served in the capacities of physicist, branch head, and consultant. Although having diverse experience with navigation systems including GPS, he is best known for his work in VLF and the worldwide Omega navigation system including the "Swanson Model" used to predict temporal and spatial variation of signals. He authored over 100 publications and was awarded seven patents including the base patent applicable to differential navigation systems. He was a Fellow of the IEEE and the Royal Institute of Navigation and served as Director of the International Omega Association. Honors include the Burka Award of the Institute of Navigation, the John Alvin Pierce Award of the International Omega Association, and the Kershner Award of the IEEE. An adventurous spirit, he enjoyed travel, photography, camping, and canoe tripping. A "do it yourselfer," Eric custom designed and built many creative features in his home. Eric is survived by his wife, Ann; daughters, Wendy Sutton and Lorna Seitz; and grandsons, Owen Sutton, and Uri and Zev Seitz. Eric will be warmly remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on May 31, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Swanson

10 Entries

June 23, 2015

Dear Ann, Lorna, Wendy and family, Gary and I wish you all well in your time of sadness. We first met Eric, our son's new father-in-law on a visit to San Diego. I think we were all a little nervous and wondered what the dress code should be for a first meeting. Well, we had all overdressed from our usual casual attire and when Eric, showed up wearing a suit and tie and saw that Gary was not, his first words to us were "thank god" as he quickly removed his jacket and tie and unbuttoned his shirt. It was a fun evening!
Farewell, Eric; we'll miss you!

Sheila and Gary Seitz

June 23, 2015

A longtime friend of Eric's (from Pomona days) sends condolences to the Swanson family

Jim Bradbury

David Powell

June 20, 2015

Ann,

My thoughts are with you. Eric was always very supportive of the family and was a special favorite of My Lorna. Being in similar technical fields, it was always fun for me to visit with him and sometimes run into him at technical conferences. I also have fond memories of your family's visit with us at Tahoe. He will be sorely missed!
David

Carol Palmiotto

June 7, 2015

Ann,
I have experienced your pain of losing a partner in life; and hope you take comfort, as I have, in the love of children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carl Kugel

June 2, 2015

Ann,
I worked with Eric when I started at NEL in the mid sixties and later when we went on several of the world-wide Omega trips and also when he came back on contract for some months in the late 90's. His picture looks like the one from his retirement article and I think it's the best way to remember him.

Peder Hansen

June 2, 2015

Hi Ann, I worked with Eric at the lab for many years. He was a great guy! I know we met once somewhere at the grocery store or something but I doubt if you remember me. You were getting ready for a canoe trip at the time.

I'm really sorry for your loss.

Peder Hansen

June 1, 2015

I miss Eric's participation as a member of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park Council... loved his insights. One personal memory is hiking with Eric and Ann to Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon... very special! Warmest wishes, Barbara Keiller

June 1, 2015

So sorry to hear of Eric's passing. I remember the time the Swanson family stayed with us in Tahoe very well. He was always jolly and kind. Eric was always an enthusiastic member of the extended family. We are very sorry for your loss, Ann, Wendy and Lorna.
- Annika Powell Paradise

Margaret Cook

May 31, 2015

Dear Ann,
Just read about the passing of your dear husband Eric, and wanted to convey my sincerest sympathy to you and your daughters and family in your loss. I always enjoyed a chat with Eric when he would visit my travel agency (Fleetridge Travel) and was amazed at his vast geographical knowledge. You had many wonderful trips together and am sure the memory will be a comfort to you. Sincerest condolences. Respecffully, Margaret Ava Cook

May 31, 2015

Ann--So sorry to hear of your loss. Will always remember our good times at the Super Bowl parties. May he RIP. Maureen & Steve Roeder

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results