Gary Wallace Swartz

Gary was born on December 21st, 1935 in Parshall, North Dakota. He was the second of four children born to Lloyd and Myrtle Swartz.

In his early life, Gary attended Parshall Schools and also served his country in the Air Force.

Gary married his wife Geneva Nelson on November 29, 1959 in Stanley, North Dakota. They started their family the following year and eventually moved from North Dakota to Seattle, Washington where Gary worked for Shell Oil Company until his retirement in 1990.

Gary loved camping and fishing and shared that love with his family on many trips to Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. He always loved to challenge himself to learn and build new things. He learned how to fix computers and then gave them away to family and friends. He had many innovative things that he created and used around the house daily.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Myrtle Swartz, his brother Wayne Swartz, his brother in law Lowell Hudson, and his brother in law Don James.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Geneva Swartz, his six children and their spouses: Larry (Susan) Swartz, James Todd (Heather) Swartz, Nadine (Stan) Schultz, Greg (Kate) Swartz, Kevin (Kris) Swartz, and David (Shelley) Swartz, his sister Patsy Hudson, his sister Linda James, and many grandchildren who all held a special place in his heart.

An upcoming grave side service with reception following for both Gary and Geneva will be held on Saturday , March 7th (1:00 pm) at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills in Lynnwood, Washington. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Fred Hutchinson to help work towards a cure.

The family wishes to express their personal thank you to Providence Hospice of Seattle and Care Force Home Care for their help in making Gary comfortable and at peace while allowing him to remain at home for his transition.