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Friday, June 1, 2018
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Steve Willis posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hi Bill: I have been pretty immersed in several topics you and I used to enjoy discussing and laughing about and found myself missing your unique voice in these matters as of late. I cannot watch an obscure foreign language film without thinking of you. Wherever you are, I hope you are well. You were taken from us way too early, but on the other hand (as you and would have discussed) who are we to question Fate? Still, it pisses me off you are not here with us today.
L
Lisa H. Webb posted a condolence
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Bill was my professor at SPSCC in the combined writing/film class during the Winter and Spring quarters of 2005. Not only was his knowledge encyclopedic but his wit and subdued, desert-dry sense of humor never ceased to impress and add an unconventional flavor to an already unconventional class. I felt close to him and had many good conversations with him, speaking with him whenever we encountered each other in the hall. He was a very special person and will be dearly missed.
My deepest condolences to his wife and daughter, the latter whom I was pleased to share a literature class with at SPSCC.
J
Joyce and Bob Deshaye posted a condolence
Saturday, November 3, 2007
We just heard of Bill’s passing. We were overcome by sadness. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Through the years that Maria was Sam’s friend, we came to know Bill as “Sam’s dad”. We regret that we did not get to know him better. He sounds like he was a remarkable scholar, educator, husband, and friend. We know was and exceptional father.
We witnessed first hand his love for Sam. He always was ever present in her life. We frequently saw him at school functions, in after school activities, and when the girls wanted to get together. Bill touched our lives by the way he was such a wonderful and loving father to Sam. From our perspective, he was truly a shining example of how all fathers should be with their children. We know Sam will do wonderful things with her life because of all of the important things he taught her.
He left a warm place in our hearts and our memories. We thought he was an exceptional person.
May God Bless and Keep You
S
Sally Gove, former SPSCC coworker posted a condolence
Sunday, September 9, 2007
My first academic teaching job was at SPSCC. I was thrilled to be teaching, but nervous and unsure, especially of how to act with all these smart and experienced academic types everywhere! Bill's attitude and good cheer really helped me keep a sense of humor and helped me stay grounded. I felt the joy and importance of teaching, without taking myself too seriously. What a gift he gave me -- I will always be thankful for that.
L
Lynda -- friend, companion, wife posted a condolence
Monday, August 20, 2007
I met Bill in 1972, when he showed up in three of my senior English literature classes at San Jose State University. He was obviously the smartest guy in the class and--to me--also the most interesting. He was a serious scholar and had read philosophers and major writers that I had only heard of: Thomas Mann, Erich Fromm, John Dewey, Nietsche, Schopenhauer, St. Augustine, Gary Snyder. The list is too long to mention. Needless to say, I was terribly impressed and started to hang out with him as much as possible. Although I was older than Bill, I had a lot to learn from him. But he sweetly convinced me that he was learning a lot from me too. I had a knack for memorizing and could recite long passages of poetry, and I knew the words to hundreds of songs. He actually encouraged me to recite poetry or sing old songs when we went for walks or on car rides. What a guy!
In our 35 years together, I never got tired of seeing his cheerful face or hearing his laugh or listening to his thoughtful analysis of a film or book he was reading. Bill had a deep, perceptive mind and a generous loving heart. He was a great man in every sense of that word, and I never ceased to be amazed and grateful that he had chosen me as his life partner. I've spent my adult life trying to live up to his example, and that effort has made me a better person. I will continue to do so.
Bill, I wish I could kiss your sweet face and neck and lay my head on your big warm chest. You were the world's best hugger, and you made me feel safe and calm, loved and supported. For all the love and laughter and years of fun, for teaching me so much and sharing your knowledge and understanding, for giving me a wonderful daughter and for being the best father I could imagine--I thank you. I will always love you.
L
Lorraine Price (co-worker(SPSCC) & Friend) posted a condolence
Sunday, August 19, 2007
I worked with Bill from 1990 till I retired in 1999. I learned so much about the films that he used in his classes. Bill was a kind and gentle man that will be missed. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
A
Angela Minker (co-worker(SPSCC) & friend ) posted a condolence
Thursday, August 16, 2007
It was a joy to work with Bill, the time from when he came in 1990 till I left in July 2001. I was sorry to hear of his passing. My brother died in 1987 with a brain tumor, so I can sympathize with all you have gone through. The information about his life was written so beautifully, I am glad I knew just a little about him. God Bless you and your family.
K
Kathleen Hawes posted a condolence
Monday, August 13, 2007
Bill Swanson was one of my first teachers at SPSCC, when I started in the Fall of 2005. I could see that he had been ill, but he always had a great sense of humor. He saw that I was very nervous about being in college for the first time, and asked me if there was anything he could do in teaching the class to help me. I will always appreciate and remember his thoughtfulness. I also had the honor of Bill telling me that one of my essays was one of the best he had ever read, and he wanted to use it in teaching his future classes. I will miss Bill very much, and my deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.
A
Ahmed Bersali posted a condolence
Monday, August 13, 2007
Madam Swanson:
I heard the sad news about your husband. This is very shocking and sad. My deepest condolences to you and his family.
Sincerely,
Ahmed Bersali,
P
Peggy Holt-Ward (Lynda's sister) posted a condolence
Saturday, August 11, 2007
What a full life Bill experienced and what a rich blessing he was to so many people, especially to my precious sister and wonderful niece. One of my favorite photographs is of Lynda, Bill, my husband and me (looking like Blues Brothers imposters) taken at a Cajun music festival. As the day progressed, everyone was tired except Bill, I think he could have stayed all night. He recalled that day fondly for years. I will always hear tones of Bill's hearty laugh each time Samantha laughs.
S
Susa, John, Ashley, and Lawton Hood posted a condolence
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Our family will be forever grateful for knowing Bill, Lynda and our dear Sam. Bill and Lynda had the kind of relationship that was rare. It was so apparent in the way that they looked at each other, the laughter that they shared and the Love they have for Sam. Witnessing Lynda and Sam so lovingly and tenderly caring for Bill these past months was an experience not ever to be forgotten. Thinking of your family truly warms our hearts. we love you.
S
Steve Willis posted a condolence
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Goodbye Bill. I'm glad I had a chance to work with you throughout the 1990s. You were funny, intelligent, innovative, you cared about your students and loved teaching. Plus, you were just an all-around good guy. Whether we talked about obscure films, worm castings, or events in local history, you always had a spark and a great laugh. Thanks for that laugh, it made a difference.
J
Jane Wilson posted a condolence
Saturday, August 11, 2007
I am Jane, a friend of Bill's sister, Karen. We attended the same high school. I would spend time with Bill -when invited to family get-togethers. What I remember the most about Bill was his sense of humor. He would make comments that would have me in stitches, laughing so hard I could barely keep upright.
I did visit with Bill and his family recently and was so inspired by the attentive care that he recieved from his loved ones. Everyone would take turns siting at his bedside, holding his hand or rubbing his shoulders, asking him if he wanted another sip of water or another bite of food. We would laugh, talk and engage Bill in our discussions. It was amazing because even if we were having a side conversation, he would still listen and occasionally mention something that pertained to our discussion. It is very sad that his life was cut short, but the time spent with his family and friends during his illness was immeasurable. I will miss him.
K
Karen Johnson posted a condolence
Friday, August 10, 2007
I am a former student of Bill's at SPSCC about two years ago. When I took his class he had already had surgery and was in the process of growing his hair back. His wife was driving him to the school for his classes. I was amazed on his attitude towards his recovery. However, what most affected me was his love for film. I know he had seen the films he showed are class many many times before but his enthusiasm was as if he had never seen them before. He left a huge impact on me, a greater love for film and the fondest memories of his wit and strength. I will never forget him!
c
cara leslie posted a condolence
Friday, August 10, 2007
In Fall 2002 I became a new faculty member at SPSCC, it was a horrible experience and I was amazed at the apathy and pain on the campus, but then I met Bill Swanson. He was wonderful and reaffirmed for me what we were supposed to be doing as faculty. Both he and Lynda are wonderful teachers and co-workers and helped me to last as both tenured and now part-time faculty, they are inspirations. I'm so sorry Bill is gone, Cara Leslie, Nursing faculty.
A
Alisha Knighton, former student posted a condolence
Friday, August 10, 2007
Mr. Swanson was an excellent teacher. His classes were never boring because he took a genuine interest in his student's educations and did everything he could to keep us engaged. He was friendly in and outside of the classroom and I don’t recall ever having seen him doing anything but smiling. He was wonderful professor and person. He will be deeply missed.
S
Scott and Sherry Waller posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
We met Bill Swanson when Scott and Bill coached a youth basketball team together. Bill's kindness and humanity shone through every day. He was always positive and encouraging and demonstrated to the girls on the team - and to their parents - that there was much more to being involved in the enterprise than winning or losing. And they needed that perspective because the team won only a single game all season, the last game.
We continued our association with Bill and Linda through other youth sports experiences and as their daughter Sam and our daughter Courtney continued to be on basketball teams together. Going to games was made all the more special by the expectation of seeing Bill, sharing a story or two, and hearing him laugh.
We bought seats next to the Swansons at Harlequin Theatre in Olympia for a couple of years, often meeting for dinner before a show. The Harlequin specializes in unusual productions by largely unknown playwrights. But Bill would know of them. Where we would know something about the shows due to some Internet research, we could always count on Bill to know the stories beneath the story.
Like everyone, we were stunned when we learned of Bill's cancer. And now he is gone, taking with him his encyclopedic mind and huge laugh. But we will carry memories with us of his kindness, humor, and humanity. We will miss him very much.
S
Sylvia Jackson (Lynda' sister) posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
When Bill was first introduced to our family, I think he went into a cultural shock. He never knew Bill was such a long name until he heard it in a southern accent. He must have recalled the movie "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" because he was truly in the land of cotten. He consumed a lot of chicken and biscuits while he was visiting the south. Bill was not accustomed to the hot and steamy weather of the south and refused to give up his long sleeved shirts. It was a long visit that summer with the temperature in the upper 90s.
Bill had a marvelous sense of humor regarding the southern culture but I'm sure he was delighted that Lynda was no longer a Southern belle.
S
Sandra Kozlowski posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Bill and Linda were a very important part of my SPSCC days, and I value them both so highly! Bill will be missed, and Linda, have my thoughts and prayers!
Sam, please know that you Dad is leaving you such a great legacy, and I hope that you always let films be your touch stone to him!
C
Connie Sue (aka Pinkly,) (former student at SPSCC) posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Mr. Swanson was a bright shining light that made learning an expierence I will never forget, and his imagination and spirit left memorable and meaningful imprints... I am so saddened to hear of his passing. Thank you for sharing your life with so many others...
My very best to the family.
F
Frank and Julie Boronat posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Lynda and Sam,
We want you to know we said a little prayer for you and Bill every day these last few months. We didn't get to know Bill to the fullest but what was there was choice. We are glad you two were in our book club. We loved viewing the films Bill brought and discussed. Bill's zest for life is what we want to emulate. What a guy!
A
Anne Norskog, former student posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Mr. Swanson's class was a magnet: he invited people to have ideas, talent, energy and a passion for learning. Everyone who ever knew Mr. Swanson will be saddened to learn of his passing. May God bless and keep his family.
D
Dan and Rhonda Winkley posted a condolence
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Linda and Sam, We are thinking of you and want you to know what a great man,husband and father we knew Bill was. We all have some great memories throughout the years that we knew him. Love to you both and we will see you soon.
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