Arthur Williams Swartwout

Arthur Williams Swartwout of Aurora, Colorado passed away peacefully June 29,2023 of Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Art was born to Richard A. Swartwout and Ardythe Laidlaw Swartwout on March 31,1942 in Utica, New York.

Art was an avid athlete throughout his life. In Upstate New York, Art “Buster” Swartwout played in the Little League, Babe Ruth League and was a leading member of the Ridgewood Raiders, a sandlot team that gained such notoriety in Upstate New York, that the team continues to be celebrated in Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. Art was known for his hitting prowess, his wicked curve ball, and for bestowing creative nicknames to friends, that often stuck for life. Art was the quarterback for Utica Free Academy, and he enjoyed golf with his father and lifelong friends at Utica’s Yahnundasis Golf Club where he loved to return and play.

Art graduated in 1967 from Waynesburg College in Pennsylvania with a B.A. in history. He taught history and social studies for two and a half years at West Canada Valley High School in New Port, New York. He would tell you that teaching was the most satisfying job he ever had. He moved to Denver in 1972 as a friend says, “chasing a skirt” which didn’t work out. He always had dreams of living in Denver and settled in and began a new life.

New to Denver, he befriended roommates who to this day are very close friends. He persuaded/cajoled these newfound friends to purchase motorcycles and enjoy trips throughout Colorado to experience the beauty of the state. Art jumped into the Colorado lifestyle and became an accomplished skier and enjoyed off-roading in the beautiful mountains. He skied Vail for over 40 years, and he became a member of Valley Country Club in 1978 where his wife Mary, will continue to be an active member for years to come. Art played an integral part in leadership at Valley Country Club. He was club president, a board member for many years, and served on many committees; “All for The Love of Valley”. He was known for his snappy matching outfits which always included matching golf shoes, belt, and visor. Most recently he enjoyed playing Pickleball at the Parker Recreation Facility in Parker Colorado.

Art’s professional career in dental equipment sales began in Colorado in 1973. He worked for two companies over the 40+ years in the dental industry, Midwest Dental and Planmeca, USA. He was an accomplished Regional Sales Manager and Trainer, highly regarded in the industry and earned a multitude of awards. He would often bring laughter to a room full of associates. He was a passionate volunteer at the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) for several years which is an organization that provides free dental care for those in need. He also volunteered at First Tee whose mission is to educate and inspire youth academically, socially, and physically through the game of golf.

In his last months of life, he was heard many times saying, “I’m the luckiest man alive”. Even though he knew his fate with Glioblastoma he felt that he “lived life large” and had been blessed with many friends whom he met along the way. He loved traveling, driving nice cars, listening to music, going to concerts, dancing, drinking wine, spending time with friends and family across the nation. He became friends with his music hero, Jerry Jeff Walker, and wife Susan. Most of all, he enjoyed all these things with the love of his life, his wife of 30 years Mary Kehoe.

Art was predeceased by his sister Linda, in 1944.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Glioblastomafoundation.org or COMOM.org. There haven’t been any advancements in treatment for Glioblastoma patients for over 15 years.