Obituary of Edward Whitefield Swan

Edward Whitefield Swan was born on August 2, 1934 to Audrey (Davis) Swan and W. Frank Swan. He grew up in Hoquiam and the Grass Creek neighborhood of rural Grays Harbor County, Washington.

 

Ed was a life-long learner who read voraciously on any topic, could carry on a conversation with experts about any subject, and loved to strike up conversations with anyone he met.  He graduated with a BA in education from Western Washington State College, now Western Washington University, and later returned to receive a MS in Psychology.  He became a certified counselor, served as a counselor, and taught many subjects for the North Thurston School District.  He retired from the school district after 35 years of service. He went on to volunteer at Garfield and Madison Elementary schools in the Olympia School District for many years.

 

Ed studied many topics and developed a wide range of interests throughout his life.  He and his brother Jerry scientifically recorded their reloading methods for gun ammunition and its effects on their shooting.  He qualified as marksman with a rifle.

 

He had many intellectual pursuits, taking on the genealogy of all parts of the family, tracing back to family arrivals in the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s, and further back to kings and queens and others of note in many countries.  He often held us spell-bound with stories he unearthed of ancestors as pioneers in Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, and the road West.  James G. Swan, the pioneer and sensitive student of Native American peoples, especially the Makah Nation, provided a key interest over decades.  Ed’s interest in history added many books to his library and led to him serving for many years on the Thurston County Historic Commission.

 

Ed was a member of the United Methodist Church for his whole life.  He taught bible school classes, helped with mission work with the homeless, and volunteered in many other ways for decades for the First United Methodist Church of Olympia.

 

Ed passed away February 19, 2021, at age of 86. One of his last goals was to live until his 60^th wedding anniversary.  He attained that goal and is survived by his wife, Shirley (Van Buskirk) Swan; daughter, Caryn Swan-Jamero; son, Ed Swan II; grandchildren, Thaddeus, Jessica, Garnet and Leander; and five great-grandchildren.  He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Gerald Swan; and daughter, Cynthia Abbott.

 

Ultimately many people will undoubtedly remember Ed as someone who would always lend a helping hand.  He was ever ready to respond to any request.

 

Donations in his memory may be made to Madison Elementary School and the Education Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Olympia.

 

His presence is missed by many.

 

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