My friend Tad.  Although through the years we had gone different directions i considered you a true friend and the memories i have of our goose hunts and deer hunts among other outing always brought fond memories to me..thank you my friend for being Tad, always true to yourself and a revered friend to all who knew you.  RIP my friend


Dearest Tad, 
I didn't get the chance to spend much time with you, but in the brief interaction that we had, it was clear that you were a special man on a wonderful journey. 
 
To Diana and family I want to offer my sincerest sympathy as you go thru the process of adjusting to life without Tad's physical presence.  We are all better people for having known him.  He will be missed.

I offer the following comfort from my Father's services not so very long ago:

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles.  They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.  Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again.  They thought that when this happened, that their friend was dead and gone from them forever.
Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up the stem.  However, he was determined that he would not leave forever.  He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.  
When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap.  As he slept, his body changed and when he wore up, he had turned into a beautiful blue tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying.  
So, fly he did!  And as he soared he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life than he had ever known existed.  He then remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now that he was dead.  He wanted to go back to tell them and to explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before.  His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.  However his new body would not go down into the water.  He could not get back to tell his friends the good news of his experience.  He then is when he understood without a doubt, that their time would come too, when they would know what he knew now.  So he raised his new wings and flew off in to his joyous new life.  

As these words were being spoken at my Father's service, on a very warm summer day, a very large, beautiful dragonfly circled our family group.  Shortly afterwards, a beautiful monarch butterfly repeated the same flight pattern that the dragonfly had just made.  
My Father had spoken to us thru our spirit beings.  It was a priceless and heartfelt moment.

Dear Paula, Joe and family, 
I am so sorry for your loss. Your bother sounded like an amazing guy.
May his memory be eternal.

Always Tad had a wonderful way to make you feel included  and cared for. It was a real privilege having known Tad and his family. He was a very thoughtful guy and I always enjoyed when he was around. I wish his family well during this difficult time. 
Peace and Love
Sherman Smoot and family

"White Bear" you will continue your adventures in the Wild & being a hero for the Native Americans from a different dimension.   You will be missed on this earthly plane.  May the Force of the Horse be with you!
Big White Bear Hug to you!

To all of the Swaners, sincere condolences on the untimely loss of your son, brother, husband and father. Tad and your whole family have left a legacy of conservation and care for the environment--so well done!

Jane Harrison

We are so sad to hear of Tad's passing.  Tad was a hell of a man and we will miss him greatly.  Our love and condolences to his loved ones and family.

A kind, adventurous & gentle soul are just some of the words that come to mind about Tad.  During the brief occasions I spent with him years ago, he always seemed content with who he was.  
He was skilled in turning the spotlight on those around him and seemed to genuinely enjoy listening to their thoughts and experiences. 
Sincere condolences to Diana, Anthony Alexandra and the entire Swaner family from the Steve Smoot family.

The physical loss of Tad from our lives and our family is strongly felt.  But in the non-physical, his presence will be known if we pay attention.  Tad's lifelong services to others as well as his passions, dreams, commitments and missions will always be remembered and cherished by all.  Fun fun fun family memories of my growing up!  
"Death will come, always out of Season" Big Elk, Omaha Chief.
My love to the Swaner Family, Cousin Steff

Sending sympathies to each and every one of the Swaner family.  We pray for comfort to fill all of you- Susie and Family

Our community and the world have given a gentle, generous, intelligent and kind Spirit back to the Great Spirit. Tad will be so missed, and we'll see him in the wind and the trees.  Love to the Swaner Family.   Ann & Mac MacQuoid.

My sympathy to Dr. Paul Swaner on the death of her son Tad. My sympathy to his whole family especially, my sister Diane Swaner on lost of her husband.   I pray for consolations for the whole family,

Still Trying to wrap my head around this. Last time I saw you my brother was at our Picnic when we all had a magnificent time reuniting with our long lost brother Clark Jones. 
WHITE BEAR. How appropriate 
I love you my DeMolay Brother

I would like to take this time and express my deepest condolences to the family. It took me by surprise when i received a invite to come & celebrate his life and memories i was distraught as to why. Finally i received a email of my inquires and i was shocked to hear of his passing. I sat and thought of the times i had knowing "Tad" he was a good man, spiritual, human being. I am honored to have known him and i know the eagles embraced him as he crossed over starting his new journey in the after life. I will see you again as the Ute People say when departing, never good bye. 
RJ Colorow

OBITUARY

Leland Scowcroft Swaner

20 September, 1952 – 21 January, 2016

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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