At age 90, Dr. Swanson peacefully passed on January 11, 2024 in Burbank, CA. He was born on February 2, 1933, in Newton, MA and was raised in Woodstock, Vermont.
After high school, Dr. Swanson enlisted with the United States Navy (1951-1955) and served as a medic for the Merchant Marines during the Korean War.
Dr. Swanson attended the University of Vermont, earning an undergraduate degree in Zoology (1959) and obtaining his medical diploma (M.D.) in 1964. He completed his internship at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon (1964-1965) and his residency at St. Mary's Hospital in San Francisco, California (1965-1968).
Dr. Swanson relocated to Southern California and opened his private practice in Burbank, California (1969-2003). He was certified by the American Board of Family Practice (1977-2005) and specialized in Family Practice and Orthopedics.
During Dr. Swanson’s career, he held numerous hospital appointments and committee positions, such as but not limited to: Chief of Medical Staff at Burbank Community Hospital (1978-1982), Chairman of the Department of Family Practice at Burbank Community Hospital (1978-1980), Medical Staff Advisory Committee for the Hospital Council of Southern California (1982-1988), Founding Board Member of the Glendale Multispecialty Medical Group (1990), Steering Committee Member at Glendale Adventist Hospital (1990), Secretary/Treasurer of Medical Staff at Thompson Memorial Hospital (1991-1996), Vice Chief of Medical Staff at Thompson Memorial Hospital (1996-1997), President and Sole Stock Holder at InterValley Medical Group and IPA (1992-2003) and Medical Director at Dreier’s Nursing Care Center (1999-2003).
He also held two long-term positions with the Burbank Chamber of Commerce: Development Committee (1983-1987) and Education Committee (1983-1998). He served the Red Cross Burbank Chapter as the Director of Blood (1986-1988) and Financial Development Committee Member (1986-1989).
Dr. Swanson saw patients and was affiliated with a number of local hospitals, including: Burbank Community Hospital/ Thompson Memorial Hospital (1969-1999), Glendale Adventist Medical Center (1969-2003), Verdugo Hills Hospital (1969-1979), Calexico Orthopedic Clinic (1970-1976), Medical Center of North Hollywood (1988-1991), Glendale Memorial Medical Center (1994-1998) and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (1994-2003).
He was a member of AMA, CMA, and LACMA (1970-1978), Hollywood Academy of Medicine (1970-1982), American Academy of Family Practice (1988-1985), Rotary Club of Burbank (1978-1990) and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce (1983-2000).
Dr. Swanson lived his life passionately, with many interests and hobbies. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spent his free time skiing, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, exploring the country and photographing birds/ducks in nature. He also loved racing Porsches on the Irwindale Speedway and found joy in companionship with his dogs: from showing his Dobermans in National Dog Shows to training and working with his German Shepherds. He had an affinity for computers and gadgets and always kept up with the latest technology. He had a great love for music, with a deep appreciation for classical composers and jazz. He was an avid reader and lifelong learner, studying and educating himself on various topics, even up until the week of his death.
Dr. Swanson will be deeply missed by his wife of 45 years, Delores Swanson; his children: Bridget Kelley-Lossada (Carlos), Megan Swanson Mazeika (Anthony), and Erik William Swanson (Angel); and his 8 grandchildren: Adrian Lossada, Alejandro Lossada, Emilia Mazeika, Avalon Mazeika, Olivia Swanson, Noah Swanson, Elijah Swanson, and Asher Swanson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests the sharing of a tribute or personal story on this website.
“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” — Hippocrates
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