

Thanks for coming in the midst of everything else going on to celebrate dad on what would have been his 66th birthday. He wasn't much for hosting parties anymore. But he liked the attention.

He was more of a one on one talker. I always described him as being like Red Foreman from that 70's show.. he wouldn't call you what Red would, but that's what it meant when he would say, "Oh son, you don't want to do that." And then he would tell ya what you ought to do. He was a tough cookie but he had high expectations and that never changed even though it seemed like he was getting a bit more gentle as the years went on.

We could go a couple of weeks without talking and just out of the blue he would write a text or call to check in and see how things were. Especially if he saw something depressing on the Facebook or if the weather was going to be especially cold or snowy.. "Gonna get cold tonight, don't forget to open the cabinets and let your sink drip a bit."

Growing up we had everything we wanted, Christmas was always great. We did sports or other extracurricular activites if we wanted too. Vacations with his work friends or whatever. 

I always used to go to mom to talk. But as I got older and got out of the house, going to him became more natural as life issues and failures became more complex. I didn't want her to worry to much. But both of them were and are still very supportive of both of their boys.

In the final couple of days I asked him if their was any advice or things that he would want to see Wes and I do different. He paused and said, "no, you guys have a good head on your shoulders and have great families now. You went to college and are doing things with that and your brother is starting his thing."

He got to know Addy and he knew that my family was growing too and he would be so proud of the things that we are doing and the men that he helped raise. He will still continue to help us build on that.

Tom  buddy I  miss you . Well a good memory? I have a lot lol. The one that comes to mind is the stopping for one beer at your house .Well we finished all your beer  and then went to the bar with Laure and Sheila lol. The Orange shirt you got me one last time lol. I always  teased him about the  orange shirt . He always said I should buy one lol. Laure and family prayers go out  to you guys .You will be missed buddy  RIP.

I still miss you Tom. You were a good friend . Kind, funny and honest. I looked forward to coming to the shipping office every day to share a joke or two or ten. I'm sad that you didn't get to enjoy retirement with your family whom you loved so much. I hope your loved ones are comforted in knowing we all still think of you often and miss you very much. RIH 

I have known the Swartz family for many years. I worked with Granny ( Deb ) before I met Thomas at Avery. We shared many laughs, especially when he would make me laugh when I was paging someone on the intercom.
Thomas and his family are close to my heart and I will never forget any of you. 
With all my love always,
Sheila

Tom it was a privilege to have known and worked with you. You and Rick Storm and I had some good times at work and after work. You both have gone too early. My thoughts go out to your Family. 

Steve May

I worked with Tom for many years and he was so kind and always friendly.    He is missed.

I miss my brother every day he was someone I could tell everything to I miss him so much 

I worked with Tom 30 years at Avery.  He was one of the funniest people  I knew. You never knew what was going to come out of his mouth or when!!!  He was pretty easy going and made my life better just by knowing him. He was a big ole teddy bear with a huge heart.

We spent many a night together ..Playing cards , drinking, and we even danced on their back deck when he lived in waynedale. One night he told Laura and i, he was going out to the garage to drink us pretty..  Well 33 years of drinking with him, he never did say if it worked.. Alot of nights all together. So many memories...RIP friend...

OBITUARY

Thomas Wesley Swartz

October 8, 1954 – March 23, 2020

Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals

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