Don Swartz

1946 - 2026

Don Swartz
03/21/1946 - 02/04/2026
It is rare and special person who has the ability and opportunity to deeply touch the hearts of so many people. Don's enthusiasm and curiosity led him to explore a wide variety of enterprise and with each endeavor he created a community, a team, a fun and inclusive environment for everyone willing to do the work, to enjoy.
From the Marin Aquatics Team in 1970, his Creative Performance Seminars, New George's Nightclub, Marin Check Cashing to his 2005 return to coaching with Northbay Aquatics, where he was planning to continue for several more years, Don loved people and nothing made him happier than helping them reach and exceed their goals.
Growing up in New England Don excelled at sports. His High School yearbook lists his playing on the Varsity Football Team, Ski Team, Lacrosse Team and stated Ambition: "To do the best I can in whatever I choose". He lived that mission statement all his life.
As head coach of a newly formed Marin Aquatics club In 1970 Don built a powerhouse team, guiding swimmers to Olympic, World Championship and Pan-American Teams and several World Records.
Don coached on the 1975 World Championship and 1977 National Team staff for dual meets in East Germany and Russia and in 1977 founded the Creative Performance Institute, traveling around the World presenting seminars on goal setting, risk taking, visualization, anxiety management and confidence.
When not on the road with his seminars, Don took up ultramarathon racing, training in the hills of Marin to race the Dipsea, Double Dipsea, American River 50, Cow Mountain 50 and always up for a challenge, twice tried the Western States 100.
In 1984 Don and Tom Hutt bought George's San Rafael Recreation Parlor, an aging pool hall, and turned it into a popular Rock and Roll venue. New George's Nightclub hosted popular local bands and famous local and touring artists. An impressive display of signed photos from renowned Musicians and Comedians covered the Club walls. The team from the days that Don and Tom owned New George's still reminisce and reunions continue to this day.
Continuing a tradition at the old George's, Don and Tom established Marin Check Cashing, building a loyal customer base and developing friendships with many San Rafael small business owners.
A trip to the 2005 Winter Nationals reignited Don's passion for coaching. He joined North Bay Aquatics staff, coaching age group and adult Masters, once again inspiring swimmers, building a team pursuing excellence and creating a tightly knit, enthusiastic community. Don was inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2013.
His personal goal was to empower athletes, and others, to succeed, instilling a belief in their abilities beyond their own expectations.
Don is survived by a large and loving family, his wife, Madeline Preisner, Brothers Greg and Joel Swartz, Sister Martha Nossiff, Step-Brothers Ted, Bob and Tom Shreve and Step-Sister Sarah Shreve, their Spouses and many Cousins, Nephews and Nieces living around the Country.
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A Celebration of Life for Don Swartz will be held from 3pm-7pm, Sunday, March 22 at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto,
Mill Valley CA 94941. open for arrivals at 2:30pm
We are hoping and planning for a large turnout to honor Don.
To make this a grand Celebration of Life, those attending are encouraged to bring a story, remembrance or appreciation of Don to come up and share.
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In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northbay Aquatics Angel Fund:
gofund.me/bed3709da