Life Story

Written by Bill's children, shared at his celebration of life service:

Blake:

On behalf of the entire Swanson family, we would like to thank each and every one of you for joining us today to celebrate our dad’s life. Bill was a humble man, and he would be honored that you are all here.

While it will be impossible to fully capture the importance and impact of Dads life through our words today, we are going to do our best.

One of the many cards we received read, “The sadness of loss speaks a story of love that can never be untold.” We would like to tell dad’s story.

Bill was many things to many people. He was an exceptional husband, father, son, and brother. He was also known lovingly by many nicknames - Tony Swansiony, Billy Bob, Mr. Bill, Uncle Bill to family, and Uncle Bill to our friends who he considered family. Our hearts break for the nicknames he was supposed to get from his grandchildren, and that they will only know his humor and love through photos and stories.

There were so many people he loved…He would move mountains for his mom and dad, his big brother Don and little sister Gretchen. Who he referred to as “The Crew” - His childhood friends who stuck together their whole lives and made memories together over the past 50+ years. His Lambda Chi Alpha brothers at U of O, and his “Baptist Brother” - You know who you are. All of us here today and so many more were a part of Dad’s story in our own way. 

Dad showed his friends and family love through humor. He didn’t take life, or himself, too seriously. If he was comfortable enough to poke your buttons, that’s how you know he loved you. If you knew my dad, you know he was just a big kid at heart. Together we learned to use a little less gasoline to start a fire, that dish soap and a sprinkler on the trampoline makes for a good time in the heat of summer, and that you are never too old to jump in a huge pile of leaves. He taught us to never give up and ingrained in us that “it isn’t how you start the race, it’s how you finish it.”

Bill grew up in Albany, a small town in Oregon on the Willamette river, where his love for water and nature began. He loved to hike, bike, hunt, and fish… but mostly he just loved to be outside and admire God’s creation. Growing up, our family vacations always revolved around the outdoors - Camping was a family favorite, especially at Lake Roosevelt. The lake was dads happy place. After mom and dad upgraded from camping and purchased their house at the lake, there were few things he loved more than to have a boat and house full of family and friends to enjoy it with. 

Dads work ethic was admirable. He knew how to have fun, but he always worked hard. In his younger years, Bill had many jobs. He fondly remembered his first job as picking strawberries in elementary school, then started running his paper route in junior high. In high school, he worked for his dad at the grocery store with his best friend Bob Cowan-Thompson. He also worked on the Brice family farm where he moved pipe and picked up his most iconic nickname. There was already a “Bill” on the farm, so they called him Tony - Tony Swansiony. John and Bill Brice became bonus big brothers and Mom and Pop Brice were like second parents. For a short while after high school, he even worked for the railroad laying ties. Regardless of the job, he always gave his full effort.

Natalie:

With encouragement and support from his Aunt Fran and Uncle John, Dad was the first in his family to graduate from college. To say that he was a proud University of Oregon alumni would be an understatement. After moving to Washington, he was a Duck in a dangerous world of Huskies and Coug fans, but never shied away from showing his pride for the U of O. He used this dynamic as fuel to spark numerous relationships and always encouraged - and often started - friendly banter. 

During his time at the U of O, he studied journalism and admittedly took as many gym classes as possible to bolster his GPA. He even went as far as taking Gospel Choir, with next to no rhythm, and even less vocal ability. We know this because he recommended this method to us when we started college. Dad always said that college was about learning how to learn, and proving that you have the work ethic to finish what you started.

After graduating from the U of O, Dad eventually found his way to the egg packaging industry, where his 30+ year career was a large part of his identity. He genuinely enjoyed the many people he worked with over the years and I know the insight, creativity and humor he brought to every room will be missed. He took a lot of pride in being even a small part of the egg industry and having the opportunity to help farms of all sizes. He believed in being honest and genuine and that was always reflected in his work and personal life. Whether he was talking with someone on the manufacturing line or talking with a CEO, he gave everyone the same respect.

In 2010, mom and dad started their e-commerce business together, and what a blessing this was, as for the past 8 years, they worked together as co-owners. Because of this, they likely had as much time together in their 30 years as many couples get in a lifetime. We are so proud of what they have accomplished, and their lives are a testament to the strength of their relationship - to successfully raise a family, run multiple businesses, and work together hand in hand is no easy feat. They were tied at the hip and Blake and I always agreed they were the perfect team.

Blake:

Dad loved his work and our family always joked that he would never truly retire. Over the last several years, Natalie and I have been encouraging him to spend more time out of the office and to go on adventures with their friends. He always insisted that for him, work was fun and that he never wanted to retire. He consistently had new ideas he was excited to implement and multiple ‘passion projects’ always in the works. As we have been reflecting on his life, and the past few years, we have said that maybe God, the ultimate decision maker, decided that Dad did what he was here to accomplish and that it was his time to retire. Our family has been able to share a laugh through our tears by saying, “He would never have done it himself, so I guess God retired him”. 

As I was preparing this statement, I found a quote which reads we should aim to “die young, as late as possible”. This stuck with me for two reasons: first, that dad preached the importance of feeling young and taking care of your body. That’s probably because he had a strong opinion against dying in a hospital or in the hands of an assisted living center. Or maybe that’s because Natalie and I would jokingly threaten to not change his adult diapers later in life. The second reason is that Dad always had a youthful optimism that I admire. Like a kid, he was always ready to see what’s around the next bend in the river or trail. He kept his mind young and was a lifelong learner, as long as that didn’t include reading the instructions. I could always count on dad to send a text on some recent trend or stock he was researching. As a strong Christian, I know my dad did not fear death. I find comfort that Dad never had to handle poor health, was able to live young and chase adventure his entire life.

Natalie:

With that being said, we’d like to share with you the story of Dad’s last adventure.

We prepared some photos of their trip to show you. 

Dad started Easter morning with a text to our family chat saying “He is Risen!”. He and mom attended Easter service with Joe and I that morning, followed by an early Easter dinner at our new home with Joe’s family. The next day, Mom and Dad started their trip. They loaded up in their camper van, affectionately named Clark, and made their way south. While passing through Oregon on April 2nd, they stopped in Bend to visit Dad’s parents. Continuing on their way, they parked for the night off the grid down an unpaved road. Finally, they drove alongside the Sierra Nevada mountains as they made their way into Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the lower 48 states.

On the morning of Friday, April 5th, Mom and Dad took a hike up Mosaic Canyon Trail.  About a mile up the trail, in a dry river bed, he passed from a heart attack.

After Mom called us with the news, we rushed to the park to be with her. We cried and leaned on each other through the weekend. In a testament to Mom’s strength and resilience, she suggested we see where Dad went to heaven in an effort to offer us closure. A little before sunset, Mom led us up the path and we were able to take in the beauty of the canyon. About a mile up the trail, in the dry creek bed, we found where Dad was called home. While incredibly difficult, visiting the trail gave our family a piece of comfort and closure. We wanted to share this today in hopes that it helps you as well. 

Dad was doing what he loved… exploring the outdoors. Of all the places he could have passed, we are sure he would be happy that it was in a National Park. Even his death certificate reads Mosaic Canyon trail in Death Valley National Park.

While it was too soon, we wholeheartedly believe he led a full and meaningful life with the time he had. We are finding comfort in knowing that he went to heaven in a beautiful place, surrounded by nature. He may have left his earthly body behind in the canyon, but he is with God now and has a new body that will never grow old.

As we enter the days, months and years ahead, please keep reaching out. Keep telling stories about him, say his name, and help each other find joy amidst our devastating loss by celebrating a life well lived. Let’s all honor Bill’s legacy by loving your neighbor, loving the Lord, and if you can muster it - cheer on the ducks.