William Swanston

2011. Bill fought a hard battle for the past 16 months with glioblastoma brain tumors, never

complaining. His recurrent words were-C'est La Vie- this is life ...

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in April 1954, Bill spent his youth in Hudson, Ohio with his parents, Marty and Duke, and his two sisters, Jen and Becky. He graduated from Western Reserve Academy for his, high school career, followed by a BS degree in Economics from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1976, and an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1978. Bill was a devoted husband, father, son, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. His zest for life was contagious and his giving spirit was received and by many, near and far. Bill had a long career in the business world after he finished his MBA. Rising through the ranks of Pepsico and its subsidiary, Frito Lay, Bill retired after 25 years as a Senior Executive. Although he thought he would enjoy travel and unlimited tennis matches, he soon found himself back in the business world, joining the executive team at Dean Foods for a number of years and then becoming the CFO of Interstate Brands (Hostess Brands) in 2009 where he worked until his health changed. Bill was a wise and gifted finance man. His humble mannerisms and calming spirit in the high paced and frenetic business world distinguished him from many others. Bill (Sandy as his family called him) leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Helen, his newly wed son, Alex and wife Ashley, his devoted daughter, Connie and her partner, Ryan, his beautiful mother, Marty, his caring niece, Sarah whom he loved like a daughter, and his wonderful sister, Becky who was so giving and devoted from the start of his battle. He will be missed greatly by the entire Swanston clan in Atlanta, LA, Oregon and Wisconsin, his Greek families in Chicago and Greece, especially his sweet and

loving mother-in-law, Alexandra Kallas, and so many incredible friends from, childhood through today who have supported and enjoyed his very full life interests. He loved playing tennis and spent many hours at Gleneagles Country Club sweating and challenging many friends, followed by a great margarita and rehashing of points. He was a devoted bridge player with his wife, Helen. In fact, he had embarked on writing a book on bridge playing with wives - a true best seller, we were sure was in the making. Travel was another of his loves, and although he couldn't fulfill all his "bucket list" dreams, he spent many wonderful weeks each year in Greece at his beautiful "Swans Nest" vacation home. So many memories have been shared at this home and those memories will keep his friends and family in smiles. Bill was preceded in death by his dear father, Duke Swanston; his beautiful sister, Jen Burger; and his caring father-in-law, Kostas (Constantine) Kallas. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home, Dallas. Friends and family will be received between the hours of 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 10th at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel. Look for info on Helen Swanson’s Facebook Page in the near future. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Dr. Karen Fink, Neuro-Oncology Association, Baylor Hospitals, 3600 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75426,as she continues great research strides in finding a

cure for glioblastoma brain tumors. Bill's other love was The Rich-Tone Chorus. Gifts may be sent to the chorus in his memory - P.O. Box 832978, Richardson, TX 75083-2978.