Gene Alvin Swanson

Gene Alvin Swanson was born in Portland, Oregon on August 13, 1934, to parents Alvin and Frances (Peterson) Swanson. He had a younger brother James Peter. Gene was raised in Portland and the family resided in the lush and green west hills of Portland very near where Providence St. Vincent Hospital now stands. Gene grew up living near many cousins, aunts and uncles who had homes nearby; all on property once owned by his grandfather. His family was part of a tight knit enclave – a community of many families who were of Swedish and German lineage. His family attended First Immanuel Lutheran Church of Portland. Gene’s father Alvin worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as an accountant. Gene attended Tualatin View Elementary and he graduated valedictorian from Beaverton Union High School.

As a young person, Gene developed a passion for photography and he built a darkroom in his home and developed his own pictures. His favorite subject was portraiture and he captured and developed many cherished portraits of his family members. He also had an aptitude and passion for things technical. He was known as a “hands on” person and was a thoughtful, precise designer and planner. He kept meticulous records and held onto the blueprints and plans for all of his projects throughout his life. Gene was an early adopter of the personal computer and he enjoyed electronics immensely. He also enjoyed home building – by the age of 19, Gene had planned, designed, and built his own home on a property given to him by his parents. In his lifetime, Gene went on to design and build a total of 6 homes.

Gene exchanged wedding vows with his high school sweetheart Juanita Canida “Nita” on January 31st, 1953 at St. Mathew Lutheran Church. Gene and Nita were blessed with their first child Vicki later that year. They were later blessed with daughter Sandra and after Sandra, a son, Michael Gene.

Gene first was employed by Crosley Appliances and later, his love for electronics led him to a job for IBM. He worked part time at IBM and attended Portland State University where he maintained a straight A grade average while juggling the responsibilities of a young father, dedicated employee, and college student. (Vicki and Sandy both remember many hours as children spent with their dad at the Multnomah County Library). Gene graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in 1965. He took the CPA exam in November of 1965 and earned one of the highest scores awarded that year. He was within the top 10 of 17,000 examinees.

Following his time at IBM, Gene went on to work for Johnson Ordway. In 1965, Gene began his 27 year career as a CPA at Moss Adams, ultimately becoming a firm partner. Gene retired at the age of 59 in 1993 and remained in Seattle for the first four years of retirement.

In 1997, Gene and Nita relocated to San Antonio, Texas. In San Antonio, Gene served as a volunteer to AARP where he helped prepare tax returns for retired and low income individuals. He also helped coordinate computer systems for AARP. Gene and Nita enjoyed retirement time together in San Antonio. They went out to eat at their favorite restaurants, and went to the movies, and enjoyed traveling to many different destinations.

Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, wonderful father and grandfather. He lived quietly and intently. Gene will also be remembered for his character, integrity, and for his positive attitude. It has been said that he was never one to complain. Even early in his life he understood personal accountability; he was someone who “stepped up” to the challenges in life and he looked at them as opportunities.

Gene is predeceased by his parents Alvin and Frances; his loving wife, Nita; and his brother James.

Survivors include his daughters, Vicki Onuliak-Hooker (Steve) and Sandy Christiansen (Jeff Wodka); son, Mike Swanson; grandchildren, Chris Onuliak, Alex Christiansen, Matt Onuliak, Steven Swanson, Zach Christiansen, Tricia Fite, Nick Christiansen, Michael Swanson, Jr. and Sydnei Swanson; and one great grandchild, Delilia Fite; and many extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held at Sunset Presbyterian Church, 14986 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, April 9, 2016, at 11am.

Gene will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, Oregon.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to:

Care Partners Hospice of Hillsboro, Oregon – www.hospicepalliativeportland.org

or to:

Colon Cancer Alliance – www.ccalliance.org

Please visit Gene’s internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com - Thank you.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.