Walter R. Swanson

Walter and Eva Swanson were married on December 5, 1964 in Reno, Nevada. The couple passed away within a few months of each other, Eva on December 20, 2010 at the age of 79 years, and Walter on March 13, 2011 at the age of 91 years. Walter was born on February 24, 1920 in San Francisco, California; the son of August and Annette Swanson who immigrated to the United States from Sweden. Walter entered the Army in 1941. He participated in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. During his time in the military, Walter received several commendations. In December 1945, he was honorably discharged from the 37th Infantry Division at the rank of Technical Sergeant. In January 1946, Walter took the Civil Service exam and began a career with the U.S. Forest Service. After living in such places as Redding, Quincy and Grass Valley, California, he transferred to the Six Rivers National Forest office. He worked as the Administrative Officer until his retirement in 1973. Walter's life long interests were gardening and model railroading. Over the years, Walter tended to the plants on his property and even took up Bonsai. He built an extensive model railroad in his home. Walter also built small engines. He was always working on a jigsaw puzzle. Baseball was another one of his loves and the San Francisco Giants were his favorite team. He said that he was glad that he had lived long enough to see the Giants win the World Series. Eva Arlene Swanson was born on May 21, 1931 in Okeene, Oklahoma. She graduated from Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, Washington in 1949. Over her working career she worked for U.S. Forest Service and several different banking institutions. She finished her career at Humboldt Savings and Loan in Eureka. During her retirement, Eve was a regular at the Arcata Pool. She was a member of the Red Hat Society. One of her greatest joys was playing with the Humboldt County Kitchen-Aires band. In her free time she enjoyed knitting, reading, photography, e-mailing friends and watching classic movies. No matter what she was doing she made sure she was home to share dinner with Walt. Walter is survived by his two daughters from his first marriage to Catherine Coupal, Carol Ann Woods of Arcata and Barbara Dinsmore of Eugene, Oregon, grandchildren Benjamin Woods, Tansy Woods and Colleen Aguon, and great-grandchildren Felix Aguon and Nicolas Aguon. Eva is survived by her long time friend, Nancy Murphy of Willows, California and Nancy's daughters, Christina Forrester of Fort Jones, California and Susan Storz of Willows, California. She is also survived by her many friends and neighbors, as well as her beloved Siamese cats, Pasha and Chantra. At the couple's request, no funeral services will be held. Their ashes are to be scattered at sea. Arrangements under the care of Pierce Mortuary Chapels, www.piercemortuarychapels.com.

Published in Eureka Times-Standard on April 3, 2011