Stanley J. Swanson

SWANSON, Stanley J. 78, of Tampa Fl. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 19, 2017, from his own home surrounded by his adoring family. Stan was born in Moline, IL, on November 14, 1938, to Werner and Elsa Swanson, his Swedish immigrant parents. He graduated from Moline High School in 1957, and the University of Tampa in 1961 and was a member of the Golden Spartan Society. He was a physical education teacher in the Hillsborough Co. Schools. While he was at Roosevelt Elementary, his outstanding PE program was filmed and shown on nationwide television to promote The President’s Council on Physical Fitness. He received the Junior Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Educator Award. At Forest Hills Elementary he was named one of the eight finalists for Hillsborough Co. Teacher Of The Year. Stan was given an honorary life membership in the PTA for outstanding service. He would roller skate from classroom to classroom to recruit members. Stan was an outstanding role model for youth and served his church as Sunday school teacher and chaperone for youth outings, choir trips and mission trips. Stan fought a long courageous battle against Alzheimer’s Disease and is survived by his best friend, dance partner and devoted wife of 54 years, Brenda; daughter, Staley and Henry McNatt; son, Matt and Beverly Swanson and grandchildren, Aiden, Sophia, Isak and Ezzie Swanson and special cousins from the USA and Sweden. A celebration of a life well lived with no regrets will be held at Hyde Park United Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St Tampa Fl. 33606, on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 11AM. There will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hyde Park Youth Ministry or their Missionary Outreach.