Halfway, Oregon
Robert Lloyd “Bob” Swanson, 77, of Halfway, died Jan. 10, 2007, at his home.
At his request there will be no formal service. There will be a private scattering of his ashes at his favorite fishing spot.
Robert Lloyd Swanson was born June 26, 1929, at Polson, Mont., to Albert and Ruby Sizemore Swanson. He was raised and educated in Montana. During his youth, starting at the age of 4, Bob and his brother began and enjoyed golfing. He boasted his 2 handicap.
When he joined the U.S. Navy, his golfing career took a second seat. Bob served during the Korean War.
He married his first wife, Mary, when he was 28 at Tacoma, Wash. Just three years later, Mary died of leukemia.
Bob’s second wife was Laura Lee. They lived at Tacoma until they divorced in 1970. They had one son, Greg.
During Bob’s working career, he was employed in carpentry. He had been a member of the Washington/Idaho Carpenters Union, Southern California Carpenters Union, Carpenters Western Washington Union and retired from the profession.
Later in life, Bob met and married his wife, Myrtle, at Las Vegas, Nev. They lived part of the year near Myrtle’s children in Southern California and they thought that Moses Lake would be where they would spend the other half of the year.
But Myrtle had severe lung problems and the topsoil that blew in Moses Lake complicated her breathing. In 1990 Bob and Myrtle moved to Halfway. They had 23 years together until Myrtle’s death in 1998.
Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially loved getting out on his boat.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary and Myrtle.
Survivors include his nephew, Ron Keele of Gig Harbor, Wash.
Memorial contributions may be made to the defibrillator fund for Eagle Valley Ambulance through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, January 17, 2007
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor