Paul Allen Swasko

Born in Minneapolis, MN on June 17, 1948, to Rev. Milan and Jane Fijal Swasko, Paul grew up in Northlake, IL, with three brothers and one sister, the best playmates a kid could have. His childhood was full of creek hockey games and deep conversations, faith, and family—gifts that would shape the rest of his life. From his father, a Lutheran minister, Paul inherited a deep commitment to service and life-long learning; from his mother, a cheerful devotion to God and family, and love of the arts. Both shaped him into a man who gave more than he took, laughed more than he complained, and loved bigger than seemed possible.

Paul graduated from West Leyden High School in 1966 and Carthage College in 1970. Later, he earned a Masters Degree from the University of Arizona and the University of Texas in Arlington.

Paul met the woman who made his world whole, Betty Ann Birdwell, while part of the study abroad program World Campus Afloat. During a sound and light show at the Acropolis in Greece, he offered her his coat and made her laugh, and never stopped showing up for her after that. They married on August 21st, 1971, Betty wearing a short dress of her own making and Paul jokingly pretending she’d locked him out of their getaway car. Together, they built a life of adventure, purpose and love. At every turn in the road, they turned toward each other, and then forward together.

After getting Master's degrees in Spanish and Social Work, Paul began working with the Texas Department of Human Services, which brought them to Paris, Texas in 1975. Over the following years, Paul and Betty enjoyed a “back to the land” phase in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma, where they built a house together by hand, grew their own food, and Paul traveled from hospital to hospital providing social work consultation. After the joyous births of their two precious daughters, Laura and Kristi, the family relocated back to Paris to be closer to community. Paris became their heart and home for nearly 44 years.

Paul’s professional life was devoted to social work, healthcare, and community development. He spent more than three decades with CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Health System. His titles were many—Director of Social Services, Director of Advocacy, CEO of St. Joseph’s Community Foundation, and System Philanthropy Director for CHRISTUS Health—but his purpose was always the same: to serve people with compassion, humor and an unshakeable belief in the value of every person (which sometimes meant dressing up as The Blues Brothers or other silly skits).

He was a leader who left a lasting impact not only in healthcare and philanthropy, but on his beloved community. Whether helping launch Keep Paris Beautiful, serving as chairman of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce (during which time Paris was named “Best Small Town in Texas”), leading a Rotary exchange to India, or singing in the choir and leading the youth group (members of whom still occasionally find duct tape stuck in their hair from one ill-fated, but very hilarious, group game) at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Paul gave his time and talents generously. Paul also served on the Board or as President of: Greater Paris Rotary Club, United Way, Salvation Army, Paris Living Community, RSVP, Lamar County Council of Community Services, Paris Jr. College Foundation Advisory Board, Lamar County Coalition of Education, and Leadership Lamar County. He founded the first hospice in Lamar County as well as a yearly medical mission partnership in Oaxaca, Mexico. He never stopped looking for ways to build bridges between people.

Paul received countless honors—including the National Association of Social Workers’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Texas Governor’s Award for Achievement, and multiple Rotary Paul Harris Fellowships—but all that mattered to him was giving back some of what had been given to him.

But this isn’t what his family will remember him for. They’ll remember how he made life more joyful, and made them laugh (and laugh, and laugh): turning salt shakers into games while waiting for the food to arrive, belting out invented lyrics with Broadway-worthy drama, or rigging together a kids’ “bike wash” with old hoses, ladders and sprinklers when the K-Mart version cost too much. His grandkids knew they could count on him to lead the vote to open Christmas presents early. They’ll picture him leaping into ocean waves and giving tractor rides, inventing endless trampoline games and water volleyball moves.

They’ll remember how he gave them the world. He brought magic to ordinary days.

Paul led them up mountains in Canada and down desert rivers in Big Bend, into Mayan ruins and camping anywhere he could take his trusty khaki tent. He loved learning, and was fascinated by other viewpoints. Paul taught them to see the divine in every face, to live open-hearted and curious, to meet each person as a neighbor—and our greatest teachers. Their adventures took them into rainforests, canyons, and (*about 100 yards of) the Pacific Crest Trail. Yet, Paul found the same wonder among the birds and trees in his own backyard. At the Paris house, he carved a web of trails through woods and along the creek, tending each bend with reverent care. He was happiest outside.

They’ll also remember how he gave them the stars. As an amateur astronomer, Paul hosted “star parties” on warm Texas nights where he set up his telescope and gave a Night Sky Tour to anyone who would listen. He held Laura and Kristi up to see Halley’s Comet, showing them how expansive life is, and that there is always wonder to be found.

He showed them they could do anything because he would always be there to cheer them on (in fact, an hour before any grandkid’s concert/game/performance, he’d be first in line, waiting to sit front-and-center). And, they knew he’d always be there to catch them if they fell.

He taught them who God is—not through fear or rules, but through love. Because he was unconditionally loving, forgiving, and present, they knew a God who was, too. His spirituality was expansive, humble, and inclusive.

His love was both deep and wide, and it changed lives. Once when his daughters were teenagers, he planted winter rye grass seed to spell out the word “LOVE” in huge (HUGE!) bright green letters in their front yard, surprising them all in the middle of winter. Always, he made Love grow.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Betty; daughters Laura (Brian Rhea, a son to Paul in every way that mattered) and Kristi Swasko; precious grandchildren Clara, Charlotte, Shepard, and Booker; his brother David and wife Trish, who lovingly helped care for him in his final months- a gift that will never be forgotten; his sister Jane Wolf (Tim); his brother-in-law Bill Birdwell (Susan); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family who made his life so much richer.

Paul and Betty recently moved to Berthoud, Colorado, to be closer to family (and truly, their grandchildren!). It is there, in the shadow of the Rockies and surrounded by the love of family that Paul spent the last season of his life. They will hold a private memorial service there. In lieu of flowers, Paul requested you have a pizza party and share stories with those you love, and any donations in his memory be given to an organization meaningful to you.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Swasko family.