Mr. Dale Everett Swett

My Dad...Finding the proper words to announce and pay tribute to the passing of an amazing and honorable man has come with much sadness and difficulty, but also with great privilege. My dearest father, Dale Everett Swett has been called home after a 5 year battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease. Anyone who has experienced watching a loved one suffer from this debilitating disease understands that death is only one part of the loss felt over years; death itself is the final chapter to that loss. So final. So fragile.

Capt. Dale Everett Swett, my Dearest Dad, age 86, of Paradise Valley, Arizona passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 3:09 a.m. surrounded in the arms of his loving daughter, Deanna, and his two amazing grandchildren, Carsyn (24) and McKenna (22). Love filled the room so deeply, and we know that my Dad went peacefully and painlessly, where he'll await us in Heaven. Dale was born in Eagle River, Wisconsin on June 12, 1937. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Jess Floyd Swett and Velma Atelia Vreeland. Dale also lost his son, Jess Scott Swett on October 12, 1985 in a tragic car accident involving a drunk driver who took his son far too soon. And so they meet again!

Dale attended school in Eagle River, Wisconsin and went on to receive a Bachelor's of Science from the University of Wisconsin at Stephens Point. He then went on to Medical School to receive his Masters in Physical Therapy from Northwestern University in Chicago. Dale joined the United States Public Health Service in 1962 as a Commissioned Officer, at the time under the US Navy~boy was he handsome in uniform!! He spent his early years in Seattle, Washington; Sitka, Mt. Edgecomb, Alaska; and Norfolk, Virginia. Both of Dale's children, Jess Scott Swett, and Deanna Marie (Swett) Smith, were born in Sitka, Alaska.

Dale's lasting contribution during his service with the USPHS was the 20 years he spent running the Indian Health Service Hospital Physical Therapy Program in Gallup, New Mexico. He ran a Spinal Cord Clinic and travelled to the Four Corners (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado) to clinics he created outside the main IHS Hospital. Dale cultivated many of his most cherished relationships and friendships during this time in his career. He won numerous awards and achievements throughout his career, including Physical Therapist of the Year, and served on T-PAC committees for several advising boards to several US Surgeon Generals. Dale retired after 30 years of honorable service as an 06 Captain and as the first Physical Therapist to ever be given an 07 Admiral ranking on the billets at retirement. I will never forget my Dad saying it was his buddy C.Everett Koop, former US Surgeon General, whom he credits with helping him to quit smoking back in the late 80's--darned if he was ever going to be addicted to anything--especially nicotine!! He was a bear for a couple months, but he did it!!

Dale had a passion for nature and the outdoors as he was a true Mountain Man!! An avid hunter of Elk, Deer, Caribou, and Moose, he truly loved his hunts with his son-in-law, Tom, and his two grand children, Carsyn and McKenna, in the Paradise Valley of Livingston, Montana. He also enjoyed fishing--whether in a river or stream, lake or ocean--as long as he was outside, he was truly in his element. Dale also loved birds, especially birds of prey, and studied them avidly. My Dad always had the best stories to share around a campfire. I know the outdoors and his loved ones brought him so much joy. He truly loved and cherished his family and spent so much time with his daughter, Deanna, and his grandchildren.

Dale is survived by his daughter, Deanna Marie (Swett) Smith, his two grandchildren Carsyn Phillips Smith and McKenna Marie Smith, and his half brother Joseph Rozich of Nevada. He will be missed dearly by many friends, near and far, and I know he was grateful for each and every one.

My Dad always made me feel like Sunshine when I walked in a room. I will truly cherish the love he gave me, and showed me to give. I was truly blessed to have the best father a girl could ever have. It was my privilege to care for him until his Heavenly birthday. I will love you always and forever, Daddy!! Until we meet again.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the Fall, when the weather cools.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Swett family.