Edward Eugene Swim

Mr. Swim was a farmer.

He is survived by his wife, Monica; two sons, Sam and Bob, both of Grand Junction; one daughter, Diana Janowitz of Fruita; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to the Anna Lee Foundation/Western Colorado Community Foundation, 225 N. 5th St., No. 505, Grand Junction, 81501; or the Sacred Heart Building Fund, 433 E. Aspen Ave., Fruita, 81521.

Burlington, CO is where Edward Eugene Swim’s life began as one of seven children to Ed and Laura Swim. One year into Ed’s life his family relocated to the Western Slope without knowing what his life would entail for the community over the next 85 years. He attended Fruita Union High School and graduated in 1947. After graduating he quickly entered into the Navy to serve the United States for 4 years. Upon his return from service he met the love of his life Monica Bettale, whom would later become Monica Swim and whom he’d more recently celebrated 60 years of marriage with. Ed was always a hands on kind of guy and that is exactly how he made his living in the Grand Valley. He was a business owner, with close friend Marv Shrum, of Shrum’s Automotive. He was a farmer and a rancher who at one point ran over 200 cattle.

On June 11, 2015 Ed left a Legacy for his next generation to carry on as he left this earth for a much better place. In the last few days, weeks, and months of his life he was constantly surrounded by his family. But it wasn’t the sickness that drew his family to him, it was just the norm. His wife, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were a consistent part of his life. His Legacy was and is his family. He created something so rare in this world that most would pay to have! Integrity was what he was made of and when he did something you’d better believe he did it to the greatest of his ability. He’s one of the few who’s word meant more than gold when given to you. Love is what he filled his grandchildren and great grandchildren with every time he wrapped them in his arms. Faithfulness is what he had in teaching these little people what he knew whether it be raising horses or betting on the Broncos. (Which he didn’t do very often)

Even though this man often wore the “Swim Scowl” across his face there was this other side to him. The side where Family, Integrity, Love, and Faithfulness resided which can be experienced through his survivors. Wife: Monica Swim. Children & Spouses: Sam Swim & Kindra Swim, Diana Janowitz & Clint Janowitz, Bob Swim & Renee Swim. Grandchildren: Karissa Kellerstrass, Chelsea Janowitz, Kendra Swim, Brooke Janowtiz, Deena Janowitz, Cory Swim, & Makenzy Swim. Great Grandchildren: Aiden Swim, MaKinley Kellerstrass, Jace Kellerstrass, & Emery Kellerstrass.

As he left this temporary home we call earth he was greeted by the following who preceded him. Ed & Laura Swim, 4 brothers & 2 sisters, an infant Julianne Swim, granddaughter Anna Lee Janowitz, and grandsons Collin Swim and Ryan Swim.

A memorial mass will be held Tuesday June 23rd at 10:00 am in the Fruita Sacred Heart Church. A luncheon will immediately follow the mass in the Sacred Heart Hall.

Inurnment will take place at The Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery 3 pm following the memorial mass.

In lieu of flowers donations in Ed Swim’s name can be made to the following:

Sacred Heart Church Building Fund 503 E Aspen Ave, Fruita, CO 81521

Western Colorado Community Foundation

For the Anna Lee Janowitz Scholarship Fund in memory of Ed Swim (On Memo Line)

PO Box 4334, Grand Junction, CO 81502