Coach Swanberg was liked by us all and highly respected as a man and coach. 50 years later I still remember him hitting with us bad back and all. Our deepest condolences to the family. John Koch 61/62, Weatherford, Texas

I always remembered some of his great lines in class:

He had a way of getting your attention and making you want to be somebody by telling you not to be the guy selling oranges in a bag at the stop light.

Another slightly off color comment, but I still remember him referring to ladies who would braid their armpit hair. Gross, but funny as hell for a bunch of high school guys. 
Thanks for all the words of encouragement.
John (class of 72') Lavey/Alta Loma Ca.

Coach Swanberg, thank you for helping to transform boys into men. Your leadership and spirit has never been forgotten by all those student athletes you guided to team victories and personal accomplishments. You lived a rewarding life and we appreciate you. Good Bye Pete!

April 4, 2012
To the Swanberg Family our thoughts and prayers are with you. And to all those, like us, that had the honor of knowing, working, playing for and were taught by, this wonderful man, cherish those memories.  As a player he was an inspiration and motovator.  With a great grin and a stern push.  As a Mentor Teacher he was a gift with a smile.  As a teacher he was all of the above and more.  Mary and I were blessed to have him be apart of our 
R H S Lives, and more. To his family "Thank you" for sharing him with us all. Rest In Peace our dear friend,teacher and mentor.  You will be missed but not forgotten.
Dave(66)Marylou(68)Manning 
Rancho Santa Margarita, Ca.

May God continue to bless all of us Coach, with your loving memory and guiding spirit. Thanks for teaching and touching so many lives in a positive way. And a BIG thanks goes out to your family for their unselfish sharing of You with all of us.
Love

I am writing for my mother, Debbie Porter-Christmas, who is the daughter of Coach Porter. She wanted me to send her condolences to the Swanberg family. She remembers him fondly and is sad to hear that he is no longer with us. She feels very lucky to have known him. Love to you all!! I, never met him, however I have known him through the many photos and stories from my grandpa. Through these stories I have learned that he was an amazing Coach, Teacher, and Friend. Thank you for sharing him with my family!!

Goodby Pete.  I missed so much due to life's odd circumstances.  It is awe inspinspiring to read the tributes to my uncle.  I have always been proud to be his niece and a member of a wonderful family.  Kim, this photo tribute is beautiful.  Much love, Sandy

It is with a heavy heart that my Dad, Don Porter, passes along his prayers and condolences to all of Pete's Family and Friends.  To quote my Dad, "Pete was a fine teacher, mentor and coach but most of all, he was a great friend.  I'm gonna miss "The Big Swede"!  May we all find peace and comfort in the fond memories that Pete has left us with"!

Coach Swanberg made Social Studies Fun,
what a great teacher and lovely person.
These messages are a great testamony to his legacy at RHS. Prayers and thoughts are with his family. Class of '64

Coach Swanberg-thank you for be a great teacher of History and being my football coach for two years on the Bee team-we kicked everybody's behind when you were at the helm. You were intense with those focused eyes and inspirerd us to win.
Thank you for being in my life. May you coach a new team in heaven. Ray Martin Class of 1969.

Dear Swanberg Family,
May it help you to know that others are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.  We were all so lucky to have had the chance to spend time with a wonderful man so many of us called "Coach." Blessings to everyone of you.

R.I.P. Coach you taught a lot of young people life lessons you taught me how to be a man thank you RHS 82-86

Coach Swanberg

A gentle giant of a man
Placed in our path by God's hand
To shape and shine so many men 
Panthers prepared to leave the den

Displaced by time and by space
Memories of laughter and of grace
Touched by your fatherly love and care
Led by your character, oh so rare

We've been blessed to share your life
Blessed like your children and your wife
Your kids we were those high school years
Now grown men, with families; tears

Forever changed in ways unknown; 
Together we are saddened, alone
Praying for your soul, and grace abides
Praying for those who've been left behind

May God's love shine upon all Coach Swanberg's Family & Friends
May his soul rest in peace. 
– Panther 20

Thank you for your smile and kindness! You made it to be a better day for alot of us students!! May God Bless you and your family!! RHS '82-'85

RIP MR. SWANBERG!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT YOU GAVE TO ALL OF US!! YOU WILL BE MISSED! RHS '82-'85

Beyond being a great coach and mentor, you made my Algebra class a fun place to be. Thanks for all the laughs coach. 

Jeff Simonian, RHS class of 79'.

Coach Swanberg

A gentle giant of a man
Placed in our path by God's hand
To shape and shine so many men 
Panthers prepared to leave the den

Displaced by time and space
Our memories of laughter and grace
Touched by your love and care
Led by your character, so rare

We've been blessed to share your life
Blessed like your children and your wife
Your kids we were those high school years
Now grown men, with families; tears

Forever changed in ways unknown; 
Together we are saddened, alone
Praying for your soul, and grace abides
Praying for those you've left behind

May God's love shine upon all Coach Swanberg's Family & Friends
May his soul rest in peace. 
– Panther #20

One of my favorite teachers.  It made going to math class so much easier.  Always had a smile & story to tell.  I've thought of him throughout the years.  My deepest condolences to his family.  Class of '79

I first had a face to face contact with Pete Swanberg at Rick Scott's funeral.  He was there with Don Porter and Jim Ellis.  Rick's funeral was held in the Ventura High School Football Stadium where the Buena High School football team had played innumerable games. I was Rick's high school girlfriend and he embodied everything to me that high school meant.  Spending a few minutes with Pete Swanberg, Don Porter and Jim Ellis that afternoon are memories that will always be with me.

Ginny Hardesty

My condolences to the Swanberg family. I met Coach Swanberg while at RHS from 79 - 83, he had the nicest smile and beautiful eyes & although he seemed intimidating at first, he would crack a smile and you could practically see into his heart of gold.  May he rest in peace.

I have fond memories of Mr. Swanberg and can still remember his smiling face!  I was so sad to hear of his passing.  Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Dear Swanberg Family,

My name is Gary F. Herrera, my wife is Debra (Branson) Herrera, we both were at Rosemead High School in 1976, 1977, 
Mr. Swanberg was my teacher, and involved in the Football Team which is where my wife Debra knew Mr. Swanberg during her years as Song Girl, Patty Panther, He was a wonderful teacher that could always relate to us, we enjoyed his classes.

With the highest of condolences, 

Dear Mr. Swanberg, Thank You for all the memories, Thank You for educating us, Thank You for being you! 

God Bless, God Speed, 

Love, Gary & Debra Herrera

Thanks Coach, our times together will never be forgotten.  You helped shape my life, God Bless You.

I remember Mr Swanberg as being a terrific couch all the years I attended Rosemead High School.  Loved going to the football games. He was always thought of as a wonderful human being and teacher. To his family may you all feel God's peace and comfort through this time. All my condolences and Love.
Kathy (Formosa) Hoover class of 66

The family is in my thoughts. I remember Mr. Swanberg as the real cute coach who walked with purpose down the halls of Rosemead High School. I realize now that he really wasn't that much older than we were. He was very much liked and respected as a coach. I didn't have much interaction with Mr. Swanberg except to say "hi". Often looking like he was deep in thought, he always smiled and said "hi" back. I had the pleasure of chatting with him years later at a RHS golf reunion arranged by Rick Ruiz. What a pleasure to speak with him sort of as a peer after all those years.
Lynne Roberts Reynolds
Class of '64

I am saddened to hear of Coach Swanberg's passing.  He was a force to be reckoned with, for sure.  I never played on a team he coached or was in a class he taught, but still found him to be a prominent figure around the locker room, commanding and receiving a huge amount of respect and admiration from all RHS athletes.  My deepest condolences to the Swanberg family.  Earl Bradley - RHS Class of 1966

Coach Swanberg, you were a great Coach and an even better person ! Thank you for your guidance both on and off the field !

It is with a heavy heart that my Dad, Don Porter, sends his thoughts and prayers along to the family and friends of Pete Swanberg. To quote Coach Porter, "Pete was a fine teacher, mentor, and coach, but most of all he was a great friend. I'm gonna miss "The Swede"!

I had many teachers through the years but the only one I truly remember and can see his face when I close my eyes is "Mr. Swanberg". By the time I came to Rosemead many of my family members had already had him as a teacher and when I sat in his history class my first day he said to me...So are you related to Kirk, Cindy, or Randy? Because probably 10 Wilkerson's had already come and graduated by then...I told him I was Randy's Sister he said ahhh...too bad! And he smiled that great, great grin...And said just kidding! It is very strange how much he had come to mind lately and then to hear he has passed truly saddens me that I never got to see him again...Maybe in the next life...RIP...Janie Wilkerson

My Heart goes out to the family and friends of Coach Swanberg.  Please be comforted by knowing that he lives on in the hearts of all the students whose lives he touched - giving so generously of his knowledge and talent as teacher and coach.  His kindness and "heart" will be remembered with great affection. 
Sincerely, June Lacey Beemer, RHS Class of 1966

My deepest condolences to coach Swanberg and his family. Coach Swanberg was a excellent coach and great person to grow up with. I have many fond memories from our 1970 Bee team and basketball contests with Swanberg and the other coaches.   Steve Adams, Boise, Idaho.

Mr. Swanberg, may you R.I.P. Everytime I saw him on campus he would smile and say hello. He was one in a million:) I am honored to have known Mr. Swanberg. He will be missed. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

Coach Swanberg our coach and teacher.
The one thing that coach always taught
us was to believe in yourself and dedication, pride and never quit. You made it fun and we will all miss you.
John Marino RHS 1962-1966

To Kim and Kurt:
You know your Dad was an important person to me and so many young men at RHS. To us he was Coach Swanberg. To the coaches he was the lovable "Swede".  He added a dimension to football that included being a great teacher, counselor and mentor but what we all really loved was that sense of humor.  
Panther football players and all students who met Coach Swanberg had a unique experience of knowing a man who cared a whole bunch and possessed a personality loaded with wit, charm and a sense of humor that was off the charts.  
As you know our granddaughter Chloe has had many medical challenges.  You Dad for many years anonymously sent Easter and Christmas cards with money to Chloe from "The Easter Bunny" or from "Santa".  The cards were received by an elderly lady at the wrong address.  Finally, last year your Dad included a return address.  The lady wrote a letter saying she was happy to know who the Easter Bunny and Santa was and she sent some of the cards back to him.  She added that she took the money and donated it to her church.  A great story about a man who only wanted to put a smile on a little girl's face.    Unfortunately, we regret being out of state and cannot be with you today. Love Gary & Rosa

My condolences to Coach Swanberg's family.  He was one of my favorite teachers art RHS and a fabulous football coach!  God has a new coach in Heaven with a winning playbook.  RIP, Coach.

Coach Swanberg,
I knew you then and I have gotten to know a great quality of yours even more over the years because of the impact you made on my life as one of my football coaches.  You taught us playing skills but most of all it was your sense of humor you always displayed which kept the balance most needed in a young mans life.  I can still see the smile and glint in your eyes on the practice field as you were processing a remark to take the edge off in an otherwise tense situation.  And then you made us laugh!  Thank you Coach.  John Jacobsen '67

This guy will always be in our hearts.  Joni and Jim Ellis

I hope you were greeted by the Lord's hand, welcoming you to heaven!  Blessings and prayers of love to the Swanberg family.

Coach Pete Swanberg u will be truly be missed u were a great teacher and coach and I am glad I had the honor to know u. Rosemead High School Class of "67" May u rest in peace. Prayers to your family.

You'll be missed Coach Swanberg, but your memory will live on in all of us at RHS. You were an awesome teacher and mentor.  Those summer memories at your Newport Beach house will live on forever!  Janet Pointer - Class of '74

RHS 1980-1984 - Mr Swanberg was a great coach!  Always had a smile and humor to share with the players.  I am thankful that I got to know such an incredible example of a leader, coach and educator.

Coach Swanberg was my coach for two years at RHS.  In 1982, we were fortunate  enough to go all the way in CIF and it was a special year. It was a great coaching staff.  Coach Swanberg had great football knowledge and a terrific sense of humor.  I can still hear him and Coach Zant telling jokes back and forth and now they probably are again :)  RIP Coach Swanberg and thanks for the memories.

Coach you always were a great character in our midst. Kept our spirits up in sports. Always showed me dignity and respect. I will miss you much. :O)

I am so sad by your passing Mr. Swanberg...I will always cherish the wonderful memories in math class, you always brought a laugh or two early in the day, which in turn made my days bearable...I also thank you for being so kind, loving & for being such a wonderful human being, when being a teen was tough enough..thank you from the bottom of my heart..You have been missed all these years, as you were always on my mind...May you rest in peace my teacher, my friend....Rachel Lopez, class of 1979....

Mr. Swanberg made a hugh difference in my life.  He was stern but fun and always guided students to do better for themselves.  He like Band Director Mr. Hensley, really cared about their students.  Rest in Peace....

I had the honor and the privilege of being one of Mr. Swanberg's students back in 1975-1976.  Mr. Swanberg was an excellent teacher and one of my favorites.  He always had our algebra class laughing at his humorous anecdotes.  Rest in Peace Mr. Swanberg.

I was a student at RHS 1972-1976.  Althought I never had Mr. Swanberg as a teacher, he always seemed like such a nice man, and everyone I know that did have him as a coach and/or teacher has always spoken of him with great fondness.  My deepest condolences to the family.

Thanks for great memories Coach Swanberg.  Robbie Trujillo

Thank you, Mr. Swanberg for being a part of my life at RHS. You will be missed by all.

May God be with each and every heart that was ever touched by Mr. Swanberg. He was our beloved Coach and teacher at Rosemead High School, and he will not be forgotten. This wonderful slideshow displays the fullness of the beautiful life he lead. Thank you for sharing it, and him, with all of us! Godspeed Coach, and may God rest your dear soul for all eternity.

A great mentor and teacher of life. I remember him and his smile as if it were yesterday! Mr swanberg was a great inspiration! RHS Class of 1975

I will always remember you as the teacher who made history so interesting to me that I continued studying history in college with early hopes of becoming an English Lit & History professor. Your kindness made a great difference to me as not very confident high school student(class of 66). Rest well dear Mr. Swanberg.

Coach, your were a real game changer in my life!
Thank You.........

Condolences to the Swanberg Family.  RIP Mr. Swanberg.  You were a great teacher and coach.  Kathie Willard Miller, Class '66

Rest in peace Coach Swanberg.  I was blessed to have known you during my years at RHS.  You complimented Coach Ellis and Coach Toby Poole to make my years playing football for you three tremendous men a joy.  I got to know you better when you were a patient of mine.  You will be missed dearly by your friends and family.......

I knew Coach Swanberg as the B Football coach at Rosemead High School, he looked after me and i loved after the team. It was good time, coach was good to me. At the 30th reunion he was there and Jimmy Wyatt & I were able to talk with him for a bit. He liked that we were good guys and full of compliments. I send my best to his family and sorry for there loss.

I had Coach Swanberg while in High School 78-82. What a wonderful man and Friend helped me go through tough time while parents broke up.  He will be greatly missed. Touched so many life's.

Mr. Swanberg was a highly-respected and much-beloved coach during my time @ RHS in the '70s.  So very sorry to hear of his passing.  RIP Coach Swanberg.  
Prayers and blessings to his friends and family...

I also had the privilege of teaching and coaching with Pete.  Being a fellow Viking we had lots of stories to tell.  He was an excellent football coach and really was a master tactician in drawing up plays.  He will be missed by all the Rosemead community.

My deepest condolences to his family.  I had the privilege to work with Pete at Adult School.  He will be greatly missed, not only by me but by my family who also knew him.  He was a great man and friend.

My condolences to the family.  Mr Swanberg was one of my favorite coaches and teachers, an inspiration to many of us. May he rest in peace. 
Jim McNichols RHS class of "69".

Your light shines brightly on those you touched, blessed are those you embraced. You truly made a difference for me at RHS as my History teacher in 1966/67, and for my husband as an RHS coach 1962/66. I've shared your story of Ben Franklin and the "air baths" countless times with my kids and granddaughter. Thank you for brightening the lives of so many. Rest peacefully knowing you did your utmost for everyone you touched, and all who knew you are better for the kindness, humor and knowledge you shared. Lovingly, George and Vickie (Lambell) Liddle

OBITUARY

Peter Hokan Swanberg

November 17, 1935 – March 23, 2012

Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park

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