Swanson is survived by his wife of 55 years Jacqueline (Jackie), son Christopher Clark Poer, daughter-in-law Lisa, and 2 granddaughters Jacqueline (Jax) and Katherine Poer.
Swanson graduated from Greensboro Senior High School where he played first chair clarinet under Herbert Hazelman. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in mechanical engineering. While at Virginia Tech, Swanson marched with the Highty-Tighties and played goalie on their varsity lacrosse team.
After college Swanson worked in Atlanta for the Lockheed Corporation as part of the C-130 Hercules design team. He was drafted by the army in 1953 where he served as an instructor in the Nike Ajax program at Ft. Bliss Texas. He entered Army Reserve in 1955 and continued work on the Nike Ajax program with Western Electric. He retired from Western Electric in 1991 where he served as a manufacturing engineer for a number of telecommunications products including the first commercial cell phone technology.
Swanson’s passion was in restoring and flying antique airplanes including a one-of-a-kind 1936 Travel Air and 1938 Beechcraft Staggerwing. Swanson had a love for tennis and classical music and greatly enjoyed Greensboro’s annual Eastern Music Festival. While in Greensboro Swanson worked with a number of organizations and charities including the Greensboro Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Quiet Birdmen, and Power Squadron.
Swanson will be missed by family and friends. We want to express our deep appreciation and love to our neighbors and caregivers who supported Swanson and family over the years. Special thanks need to go out to Greensboro EMS, team of doctors, and Beacon Place Hospice Care whom we call “Angels of Mercy”.
Visitation will be at Hanes Lineberry Chapel, 515 N. Elm Street on Friday, July 20th from 6 to 8 PM. The memorial service will be at Grace United Methodist Church located at 438 W. Friendly Avenue, Greensboro NC, 27401 on Saturday, July 21st at 1:00 PM. The family will have a private service at Westminster Gardens Cemetery after the memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Palliative Care of Greensboro at 2502 Summit Ave, Greensboro NC 27405. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
