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Dr. Paul Alpheus SWINEHART Jr.

Paul SWINEHART Obituary

Dr. Paul Alpheus Swinehart, Jr., age 63, died at his home in Northeast Tacoma on Sunday, March 8, 2015 from causes related to cancer. Born January 19, 1952 in Spokane, WA to Dr. Paul Alpheus Swinehart, Sr. and Genevieve Louise Swinehart (née Hulteen), Paul is preceded in death by his parents, brother Samuel Dorsey Swinehart of Kirkland, WA, and brother Donald Swinehart of Sumas, WA. In Spokane, Paul attended Ferris High School, during which time he earned his Eagle Scout award. He completed undergraduate studies at Washington State University, medical school at Creighton University, and anesthesia residency at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Swinehart practiced anesthesia for 28 years with Tacoma Anesthesia Associates. Always in support of the underdog, Paul was a lifetime WSU Cougar fan. He loved animals and the natural environment and gave generously to organizations committed to their welfare. He loved boating, hiking, and open spaces, none more than his beloved Priest Lake, ID. An ethnic Swedish-German, Paul was especially proud of his Scandinavian heritage and Lutheran identity. He was an avid reader of history books, spy novels, and stories of mountain and ocean adventures. Few people love music as Paul did; bluegrass, old country, Motown, folk and rock of the 60s and 70s, and classical music accompanied him wherever he went. He devoted himself to learning the piano during several phases of his life. Dr. Swinehart is survived by his four daughters, Elizabeth Mulligan-Ferry of Brooklyn; Meredith Swinehart of San Francisco; Caroline Swinehart of Tacoma; and Stephanie Swinehart, currently serving in the Peace Corps in Senegal. Other survivors include his sister Paula Crawford of Colorado Springs, brother Martin Swinehart of Lenexa, KS, and former spouse Christine Swinehart of Tacoma. Memorial services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, WA at 2:00 pm on May 9, 2015. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Paul. At his request, cremation remains will be laid to rest by his family. Gifts in his memory may be made to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, PO Box 647010, Pullman, WA 99164.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Mar. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul SWINEHART

17 Entries

Mike Levenseller

March 9, 2022

Once again we are reminded of our time with Dr Swinehart. His care of our daughter and our Wsu conversations! Here's to you Paul.
Mike and Allison Levenseller

Mike Levenseller

March 10, 2021

Here's to you Paul , thankful you were part of our journey. Still smile thinking about you and our conversations. Go Cougs

Kenneth Kardong

August 19, 2015

As a new faculty member working at Washington State University (Zoology), Paul was my first student to perform a clever piece of research and see it to publication. It was pleasant to work with him, a delight to enjoy thoughtful conversations, and follow his subsequent career.
I am now retired, so learned of his passing only recently. I hope you will treasure his memory as I have.
Kenneth V. Kardong

Father/Daughter Dancing

Melita Mulligan-Ferry

May 9, 2015

We met Dr. Swinehart through our son, Seamus, who fell in love with his beautiful bride and the Doctor's daughter, Liz. Distance separated our families and we only connected at the kids' Gonzaga graduation and a few years later, at their September wedding on that same campus.

In our short conversations, it was evident how intelligent and thoughtful the man was He had a deep appreciation for history, a love of WSU football, and great admiration for his girls. He was welcoming of Seamus (maybe even a little excited to have another male in the family mix) and happy that Liz had found the fellow to share her life and dreams with.

When Dr. Swinehart faced his illness, we corresponded a bit. We found his courage, fighting spirit, and dignity inspiring. We also admire the care and sacrifice the girls made to spend time with their Dad. We all want to be remembered, but it's what you carry forward from those who've left that counts. Paul's daughters shine as a testament to his and Chris' lives. His influence will endure and he will matter.

In his last holiday card, he wrote, So far, I am very happy with Seamus and Elizabeth's marriage. They seem to treat each other with respect and are able to work out the little decisions/choices that relationships hinge on. I'm hanging in there, still on the stupid chemo and grateful for Caroline and Stephanie being close.

It boils down to family and friends. The connections you make and the worries, hopes, and dreams for our loved ones. Though our encounters were short, in our estimation Dr. Paul A. Swinehart had a rich life. His strength, determination, and humor survive. He was loved and will be missed. On this, Paul's Memorial Day, God bless his family. Sending our love to ease your loss.

Karen Nolan

April 15, 2015

I knew Dr.Swinehart through his daughters, all of whom I taught. I found him to be a quiet,humble and kind gentleman. He was very proud of his four daughters and what they had accomplished and their bright futures.
RIP Dr. Swinehart. You will surely be missed. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family.

Perry McClain

April 12, 2015

My friend was the kind of friend we all hope to have in life.
My friend was loyal, honest,compasate.and humble.
My friend was bright,had a sly sence of humor,aand loved his WSU Coug's.
My friend cherished his family,and was especially proud of his daughters that we loved very much.
My friend handeled his adversities with dignity ,grace, and perservance.
My friend enriched my liffe.I will miss him.
My consolation is that I know he is in a place of peace, cancer free and the Coug's are always number 1.

March 20, 2015

I was one of the fortunate ones to have worked with Paul at Tacoma General in the OR for many years. He was extremely dedicated to his patients and he always made me laugh. He will be sorely missed. RIP Paul

March 18, 2015

I was so shocked and sad, to read of Paul's passing. We went to Ferris High School together, and lots of fun memories from those days, Class of '70 Rules. I'm praying for his family, as he will be very missed. So proud of his life. God willing, we'll see each other again in Heaven Paul. Rest well my friend. You will be missed ! Linda Wagner Brown (yep, Sandi's twin) xo

Mike Levenseller

March 18, 2015

We were very saddened to hear about Paul's passing. We met him in the late 80's when he was working on our young daughter. At that time we were very impressed with his caring nature. He helped to put us at ease by simply listening and then answering all of our questions in a patient way. We didn't share our WSU backrounds at that time but a few years later our paths crossed again at a cougar function. After that we saw each other often at WSU events and we would always search each other out. Paul always had a few questions for me and was comfortable asking! He would listen to the answers without ever having to interject his own opinion, rare to say the least. He just listened.... Like he did to those scared parents so many years before. Thank you Paul, thank you
Mike and Allison

Chris Ferry

March 16, 2015

My best to the entire family! Liz our prayers to you and yours!

David Westermann

March 15, 2015

Paul and I played basketball together at Ferris High School during the 1969-1970 seasons. Paul had a great hook shot as I remember. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

March 15, 2015

Paul was an introvert, no doubt. However, he was not one without a sense of humor. If you didn't pay attention, you'd miss it! He was a solid Anesthesiologist and always did right by his patients. ALWAYS. He did not like arrogant individuals, yet knew his own human limitations and imperfections. He had a soft heart and loved animals! He always worse Crimson...even when they didn't have a winning season. He was proud of his daughters. Very proud. He had a huge impact on my clinical career. I will miss his humor and witty personality.

March 15, 2015

Paul was an introvert and easily misunderstood. Not only a solid anesthesiologist, he had a heart of gold. He loved those WSU Cougars. He loved animals. He loved his music. If you didn't pay attention, you'd miss his sense of humor. He was humble; hated arrogant individuals. He knew his limitations, yet was never insecure with who he was. I very much valued him as a physician....and as my friend.

Fr. Rick Ganz, SJ

March 15, 2015

Paul's brother Sam was one of my very closest friends growing up in Spokane (d. 11 February 2003), and he and I and Paul were in the same Boy Scout troop. And their mom, Genevieve, made the very finest pies any of us had ever experienced. I love the thought that both Sam (such a wonderful sense of humor) and Paul's mom (the genuine article; a holy woman) will be there to welcome him in among the ancestors - and she will have one of her fruit pies warm and waiting for him. Paul had a sweet smile and, like his brother Sam, a great sense of humor. I am grateful to have known Paul as a boy, when I recognized a man who took his studies seriously, achieved in them highly, and who found his way through Medical School and Residency. Chris, I would like to be in touch to see how you are doing, and simply to say hello after a lot of years. Would you be in touch? ([email protected]). I am really grateful to have known the Swinehart boys, and I am dismayed that they are now gone from this world. With sincere regards in Christ, Fr. Rick Ganz, SJ

William Ganz, MD

March 15, 2015

Paul was a one of my childhood heroes. He was our neighbor down the street and our families were friends. I looked up to him because he was very intelligent and he accomplished what I aspired to be: he got into medical school. He was always friendly, even to young kid like me( I was 7 years younger). He was a gentle, good person. I am sure that he was a good physician.
I am sad to hear of his passing, but I am sure he was welcomed home by our Lord. "Well done good servant"

March 15, 2015

I worked with Dr. Swinehart in the OR at Tacoma General. He was so compassionate and genuinely nice person. My prayers for the his family. I am certain that his legacy will be remembered, he touched many lives.

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