The only principal who's name I have remembered. He was a great man, even though he spanked me with that wooden paddle in his office... lol (back then that was okay, mom signed the permission slip lol). But seriously, I am sorry to hear of his passing, I know he will be missed. We need more principals like him today.

What an amazing guy Mr. Swanson was. He was such a wonderful principal at Solano Elementary School. He will be missed dearly. My prayers go out to his family.

Another K-6 Solano alum (1975-1980) who remembers Mr. Swanson fondly. He instilled a love of learning that's never left me. My condolences to his family, and many thanks for sharing him with us.

--T. Fleming, Chicago

In my brief interaction with Brad as a Osborn School Board Member, I looked up to him for his knowleddge and friendship. He was a great person and I enjoyed communicating with him be it school business or just topics of the day. I very miss those days interacting with the Osborn School District Family and Brad was one of my favorites.

You will be missed deeply. You impacted my life in a positive way.

Aunt Joanne, Brooke, Boyd, Jeff and grandkids,  We were so sorry to hear of your loss, but thankful for a call from Gene.  I can never express adequate sympathy, but I trust and know you'll get through day-by-day on precious memories.  You, both, were so good to Mom and Dad Cozzens, and your genuine hearts and spirits were always an encouragement to me.  We, not long ago, were watching an old video of Dad Cozzens' birthday when you all were here after Ruth's home burned.  Brad brought a napkin, scorched from the fire, and told a funny story relating Dad's age to the speed limit with a note written on the napkin.  Good memories.  Sending love and prayers your direction, and thinking of you all.

My memories of the 7th street gang are always in my heart--especially the Swanson family--Brad, his mom and dad and the whole family.  We had such good times there and saw him at a reunion.  What a great guy--he will be missed.  Anita Schott

Nancy and I were sadden to learn of the illness and passing of Brad.  He was a super individual, dedicated to his family, his siblings, his mother, his past students, and his many friends both in Arizona and Colorado, and of course, his deceased father, Swede.  I vividly remember the days on 7th Street in Greeley, when Brad, who was a few years older than the rest of us kids (we were all products of both Washington and Park Elementary Schools) was the "king-pin" of most of what we did, whether it was basketball, kick-the-can, or other games we played on a regular basis.  Brad was always the one we looked towards as the leadership figure, and he remained so on into these later years.  His mother, Ruth, has insured that the old 7th Street gang still retained their connection to their old neighborhood by having us meet periodically.  Brad was always foremost in these gatherings, visiting with everyone and making them feel like family.  I am sure that one of Brad's fondness moments, of late, was when our neighborhood Kiwanis Playground Park was dedicated to his father, Clarence "Swede" Swanson.  Brad, along with his mother and all the Swanson clan were intimately involved with working with the City of Greeley and the Greeley Kiwanis Club in having the park totally upgraded and refurbished, including a permanent metal marker dedicated to Swede who had originally put the plan together to establish the neighborhood park for us kids.  This in itself will always be a reminder of our close friend and past neighbor, Brad Swanson.  He will be dearly missed by all of us who knew him.  To Joanne and the family in Arizona, and to Ruth and Linn and the other family members, our prayers and thoughts go out to you.

I have such fond memories of my childhood growing up as a neighbor of the wonderful Swanson family.  Brad was always a kind friend.  I'm thankful that I got to visit with Brad at our class reunions.

My condolences to the entire family.

Our whole family was blessed to know Brad and Joanne Swanson.  Kathy was a student of Joanne at Phoenix Christian and all three of our childern, Brooke, Dan and Beth all attended Solano School.  Brad later hired Kathy as the school nurse at Solano and I served at the PTO President for two years.

Brad was the kindest and gentile person I have know and he gained the respect of the students, teachers and parents during his tenure as the Principle at Solano. 

Brad and Joanne also attended the graduation of our son from the Air Force Academy in 2001. When Dan came up into the stands to greet the friends and relatives he hugged Brad and afterwards big Brad had tears running down his face, he was so proud of Dan's big accomplishment.

Brad, this world is a better place because of you, there are thousands of lives that you have touched. 

To Joanne and the family, our prayers and thoughts are with you, knowing that we will all recjoice with Brad again in heaven.

Bill & Kathy Daehler

Seldom do people touch your life so sweetly as the Swanson family.  From my freshman year at Phoenix Christian HIgh School, I fell in love with Joanne Swanson, Mrs. Swanson -- my French teacher  -- and was honored to know her husband.  The tenderness of this couple has influenced and enriched my life.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Swanson family.

I sent this in on Thursday night, before attending his Celebration of Life service on Friday. So glad to hear that my comments were echoed during the service, and from his family now I understand why he recognized and valued perfect attendance so much!

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2011/08/14/20110814sunlets146.html

With admiration for his lifetime of service,

I was a student at Solano and remember Mr. Swanson was always kind and gentle. My prayers are with your family, RIP Mr. Swanson.

I was a student at Solano from K-6th grade (1984-1990) and Mr. Swanson was my principle through those years.  He was a wonderful principle and man.  He truly cared for the students.  
One day, I remember meeting with him along with 6-8 other students.  I totally thought I was in trouble.  Being called to meet Mr. Swanson office....yeah...lol...wasn't a fun idea.  BUT...it turned out to be a wonderful recognition.  He put together an award ceremony for the students who attended Solano from K-6th grade.  It was a wonderful feeling.
Now, as loving as Mr. Swanson was.  He had NO problems with accountability.  I remember the "wooden paddle".  Yeah....I didn't care for that thing.  I don't remember what I did at the time but what ever the reason for the paddling, I'm sure I deserved it. LOL!!!
Giving all the glory to God.  I praise the Lord for men like Mr. Swanson who will truly be missed.

What a special person Brad was! Our family knew him as an educator, summer baseball facilitator, painter and a friend.  He and Earl loved to talk education. I especially remember the beautiful sign that he and Boyd designed  for Encanto Law Center. My prayers are with your entire family.  Carol Pugh, Chandler, AZ

Brad and his family was my neighbor for 14 years. He was a fantastic house painter.  He would just shake his head when he saw me painting and suggest what I should be doing.  He always had a smile on his face.  My prayers go out to Joanne and the rest of the family.

I too was a student of Solano School. Mr Swanson was always involved in the daily lives of the students.  He truly made a lasting impression on what it is to be a "leader".  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family for their loss.  RIP, Mr. Swanson.

I was in Mr. Swanson's 2nd grade class and he was larger than life for a tiny little 7 year old!  What a "gentle man" he was.  I still remember him fondly.  My sympathy and prayers to his family and friends.

It's been so many years since I've been a student at Solano, but I remember Mr. Swanson so clearly, I think I even had a little girl crush on him.  I remember him as being a gentle soul who loved children and showed them kindness.  I feel very fortunate to have had him in my life.

I am so sad to know that such an amazing man is no longer with us on earth. I went to Solano Elementary from K-6 and Mr. Swanson was the best principle. He was always so caring, his door was always open and he was always so understanding.  I always loved how he made an effort to remember the names of his students.  He was such a great spirited man. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with the Swanson family. Rest In Peace Mr. Swanson.

One of the finest employees of the Osborn School District.  Brad was there for the students.  Brad's door was always open to students, their parents, teachers and classified employees.  

When the previous principal retired Solano staff marched at the Board Meeting chanting, "We want Brad to be our principal."  

He had good morals, work ethics and respected those who he worked with either as a supervisor or co-worker.  Parents knew he totally cared about their children.  He gained the respect of everyone who had contact with.

The Osborn School District was a family back then.  Everyone worked together - and he was one of the best examples many looked up to.

We will miss him greatly.  Here's a quote from Michael Landon:

"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that's how I'll remember you. If you can only think of me with tears and sorrow, please, don't think of me at all."

Heavenly Father certainly has one of his best sons back with him.  I have certainly been blessed having him for a friend.

Sue Corbin

Truly a servant-leader and a delight for staff and students to have as principal (or teacher).  We are so sorry to learn of Brad's passing.

As Brad I were classmates in 1958 in Greeley, Colo.  We know our class will miss you & we pray for your family.
Rest in Peace

                          Gary Ruyle
                          Mc Allen, Tx

We feel so blessed and lucky to have known Brad and had him as a next door neighbor for 5 years!  With love, Katie and Sean

I worked at Osborn for 18 years in the District Office and enjoyed Brad's visits.  Whenever I had to call him at Solano, he was always so helpful and kind and he was one of my very favorite administrators.  I am a life-long Green Bay Packer's fan and so when Brad would come in with his Dallas shirts, we would go back and forth about the teams and football in general.  It was so much fun to tease him and he did the same to me each week durng the football season.  One of the sweetest people who has ever walked the earth.  He is in my prayers as well as the family.  The Lord has a special place for him in heaven.  God Bless you.

My children were fortunate to have Brad Swanson part of their education.  He was a gifted man who inspired others in both education and personal values.  My sincere sympathy to his family.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

OBITUARIO

Bradford C. Swanson

16 julio, 1940 – 6 agosto, 2011

A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel

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