Kyle was born June 26, 1965 in Bellefonte, PA then moved to La Crescenta, CA with his family in 1975. He graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1983 and went on to earn a BS degree in Aerospace Engineering from San Diego State University in 1989.

From an early age, Kyle's love of engineering design and creativity was evident. He spent many hours building and soaring radio-controlled gliders. These talents carried into his adult life, with spare time spent collecting and restoring a number of Lotus sports and racing cars and road racing with the Sports Car Club of America. Ocean sailing with his parents nurtured his free-spirit. He expressed himself musically, playing jazz trombone and serving as Drum Major during high school. Music continued to play a role in his life during college and culminated with his contributions to the "Don't Make Noise" CD recorded with the San Diego State Jazz Ensemble. During college Kyle began working with a small engineering company which contributed research in advanced aerodynamics for the Saint Francis Yacht Club entry in the 1987 America's Cup Race in Australia.

Kyle landed his dream job with Aerovironment Inc. in June 1989. He played a pivotal role in the design and manufacture of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) leading to AeroVironment's dominance in small UAS for the United States Department of Defense. In 2005, he was awarded the Al Aube Outstanding Contributor Award from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) in recognition of his dedication to the advancement of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. After a 13 year relationship Kyle and his girlfriend were married in 2003. His greatest joy came from the birth of his two children.

He was a loving husband with a gentle soul. Kyle always embraced life's adventures and encouraged his friends to cherish the journey as much as the destination. Kyle is survived by his wife Tamara Thornsley; their children: Fiona and Alex; his parents: Sandra and Paul Swanson; his brother, Brian Swanson; nephew Terran and niece Jade. Kyle was preceded in death by his brother Kris Swanson. Memorial services celebrating Kyle's life will be held at 10:30am on May 7th at Ascension Lutheran Church at 1600 E. Hillcrest in Thousands Oaks. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kyle's name to the Oral Cancer Foundation (www.oralcancerfoundation.com)

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Published by Ventura County Star from May 3 to May 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kyle Swanson

Sponsored by anonymous.

19 Entries

Melinda Mullis (Ehlers)

April 27, 2019

I was just thinking about Kyle this week and remembering funny stories from when he would come over to our house to hang out with my brother, Dave. I know he is still greatly missed and thought of with affection. My condolences to you, his family, as you remember Kyle.

Robert Hickey

April 29, 2014

I'm not sure why, but the universe told me to look for Kyle today, and I'm devastated to find the search has led to an obituary. As others have attested, Kyle was visionary when it came to matters of flight. Given large plastic bags, duct tape, and electric motors, he was an absolute magician, and I had the privilege of being his engineering classmate and friend at SDSU. I remember hanging out at his beach place, working long hours on our senior project, listening to Borracho y Loco while he explained the subtlety of the trombone parts, and the awesome JPL tour we took with his dad. Unbelievable that he's gone -- my sincerest condolences to his entire family.

terry thornsley

May 11, 2011

my sister Tammy was very blessed to have such a wonderful man in her life. i am so very sorry we did not have a lifetime with Kyle. he loved my sister dearly and we all loved him for that.. i know there are sweet memories to cherish. thank you Kyle

terry thornsley

Rick Barbata

November 10, 2009

Hey Kyle,

I remember the last time I saw you and we were skateboarding down New York Avenue with paper bags on our heads testing to see if the brain can perceive impending doom or the backs of cars without seeing anything.

I met Kyle in the 8th grade in band - we both played the same brand of trombone. I was a good trombonist but he was out of this world and I emulated him all the time, especially when we had big band numbers to play.

We also had drafting class together and he was as skilled as our teacher. We became fast friends and spent many days building crazy machines, spy gadgets, gliders, and all kinds of scientific stuff.

His family was amazing, his dad had a Lotus in the garage that I tripped out on every time I was near it. His mom was a potter and a skilled artist. I wished I had parents like his.

His intelligence and grasp of design and building concepts was way beyond his years. The things he could do and the things he knew were amazing and so, so mature and thoughtful.

He built a camera once for one his gliders out of spare parts from a Polaroid camera we found in the trash.

My girlfriend and I were at home tonight and I was flying a miniature helicopter I bought and I remembered Kyle at that moment because of his knowledge and insight of aerodynamics and flight, even at 14 he was a genius.

We decided to look him up and now I am sad yet happy that he popped into my memory like it was a week ago.

I loved that kid and he changed my life in subtle yet complex ways. See you later Kyle, thanks for the short journey together.

To Kyle's mom and dad - my memories of you still stay with me always and I am happy he found love and had children who I am certain will be as amazing as he was and I am truly sorry for your loss from the bottom of my heart.

Donna Tuk Harris

May 11, 2009

I met Kyle my sophmore year of high school at Crescenta Valley High. We were all band geeks then...he was a great guy and I have a lot of fond memories of Kyle and his brother Brian. My heart goes out to his family....God bless!

Valerie Reyes

May 11, 2009

I met Kyle through Tammy when I first started working at 18. I loved working with Tammy and I knew that Kyle loved her so much. He was so funny and always had a smile on his face whenever I saw him. I will never forget is little car shows at his house and the trophys that he would have the kids make for the winners. In seeing this, I knew that he would be a great father. I was right. Tammy, my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. Always know that Kyle will always be smiling down on you, Fiona and Alex.

Matt Daly, MAJ US Army (Ret.)

May 7, 2009

I only know Kyle professionally through efforts surrounding the development and fielding of small unmanned aerial vehicles in the US Army. Having met him prior to 9/11 when the Pointer UAV was still considered an Army science project to the Raven, the most widely used UAV in the world, including all four branches of our military is such an extraordinary achievement. Kyle’s acumen in design, development, and production of the Raven SUAV is matched by few. I do know Kyle kept the best interests of the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines in mind throughout. I just thought more people ought to know his efforts have saved many lives and will continue to save lives. From the few who know and the thousands who don’t; thanks Kyle Swanson. Your personal commitment has changed the battlefield we fight in for the better; forever.

Barbara Laurin

May 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I didn't personally know Kyle, but I have seen what an impact he has made on others. May your memories bring you comfort.

May 7, 2009

We will miss you but we also know you are in a better place. You were the best manager and it was a pleasure working for you. We will miss seeing your smile and pleasant words.

From Jenny and Linda!!

Erik Smythe

May 7, 2009

Thanks for giving me my 1st AV tour and telling me the AV story with such enthusiasm and animation. That experience really got me excited to be a part of the AV Family. You will be greatly missed by all that you touched.

Todd McNamee

May 6, 2009

Thanks for being such a great friend Kyle!

Full Throttle!!!

Igor Panchenko

May 6, 2009

Where ever life has been taking him. He was able to find a music, in his heart, that fits the moment.
I will miss you Kyle.

Julie Thimsen

May 6, 2009

He was never without a smile on his face. He touched so many of us in inspirational ways. I will miss you Kyle.

Debra Hurst

May 6, 2009

Such a loss for all who knew him.
My thoughts are with his family and his friends at AV

Carol Brennan

May 4, 2009

Kyle's laugh will remain with me, always. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
I'll miss you dearly

Connie Brasil

May 4, 2009

Beautiful Summary of Kyle's life. He will be missed dearly Tammy but will live on through you and the kids forever!! Take it one day at a time, he will be with you.

Greg Finch

May 3, 2009

I have nothing but very fond memories of a very talented Kyle Swanson. He was able to never do homework but still ace his tests and showed that he was a very intelligent and capable engineer. I remember in awe his house was full of incredible projects from race cars to dirigibles floating around the room. His tremendous talent and happy go lucky personality will be sorely missed.

The Detweiler Family

May 3, 2009

Our Dear Kyle's legacy is a wonderful one because the friends and family he touched with his mind and heart have challenged them to enjoy life’s adventures, the journey, and to always travel different mountains and valleys to attain their goal. His family and friends will always remember his intelligence, his joking manner and the pleasure he exuded whenever he met someone new. Time passes on…but Kyle's memory, his smile, his approach to life and people will always be remembered. May You Travel "Full Throttle" Dear Friend! xo

Melinda (Ehlers) Mullis

May 3, 2009

I have fond memories of Kyle from when he and Brian would come over to our house and work on cars with my brother, Dave. Tamara, Fiona, and Alex, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Swanson Family.

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