Jon and I met Paul when he and Mary were married.  How wonderful that he was a fellow Pittsburgher and Irishman.  Well done Wu!  In minutes we  were introduced to the warmth and kindness that would characterize the Paul we would know from then on.  Always the proud Americans, Paul and Mary were true adventurers, both here and abroad.  We shared good times with them in Hawaii, San Francisco, and Texas and enjoyed hearing of their many trips worldwide.  I am so happy these two explorers  shared many fun filled years together.  Mary, I  cannot comprehend the grief you must be feeling at this time but I hope your memories of dear, sweet Paul bring you some comfort.  

Kristen and I will always fondly remember in June of 2013 when we were in San Francisco and you guys came out to meet us downtown.  The beginning of the day I met you and Uncle Paul, and a pair of your friends, in Oakland for an A's game against the Reds, where the A's pitcher pitched a complete game shutout (back then, and even today, a rarity anymore).  I remember talking to Uncle Paul about his work back in the day on the east coast, and about baseball and sports in general.  You guys met us later that evening and picked us up at our hotel, where you drove us around and showed us the sights, and we capped off the evening with dinner at the restaurant at the Giant's stadium, but not before we were able to take a stroll around the park.  You guys made it a very special day for us, and we're so happy we were able to share it with you and Uncle Paul, and can look back upon it so fondly.

My late husband bill and I loved Paul and his beautiful wife Mary. Please contact me when you are ready Mary. Love cynthia marshall

Eulogy for Paul, part two.

Among Paul's many qualities there are a few that stand out in my mind. First is his generosity. Terri and I and our kids experienced this firsthand on numerous occasions. He was generous of spirit as well as materially, as his friends and family can attest, a quality that inspired generosity in others.

Second, Paul was an oenophile -- yes, this is a personal quality, even an inspirational one, need we say more.

Third, Paul loved life, loved the Giants and 49ers, loved his family, and especially loved Mary, his beloved Little Wu. You knew when you were around them that Mary was the light and the love of his life. He cared so deeply for her. Mary, we know you will miss Paul, and we, your family and friends, look forward to being with you in the next chapters of your life, until you and Paul are reunited at the time of God's choosing.

Fourth, Paul was devoted to his family, starting with Mary. He was a very good husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and grand uncle. And he was so proud of his family and loved to tell you about each and every one of them.

Generosity, oenophile, loved life, family-oriented -- quite by accident the first letters spell out golf, the hobby I knew Paul best for. Many of you have golfed with Paul. I consider it one of the most enjoyable things I have done. Paul and Mary traveled far and wide to play, including at the home of golf, St. Andrews. While I have not been to Scotland, we did play together in Okinawa and in Kauai, so golf is one of the things I will think of first when I remember Paul.

 But I will also think of his big, bright smile, his warm greeting, and his kindness. He was one of a kind, and we will miss him. God bless Paul Patrick Swain.

  

Eulogy at Paul's memorial service, 10 December 2019.  

Part one.

I am honored to speak at this ceremony for Paul. Thank you, Mary, for asking.

Paul lived a full, complete life, and those of us fortunate enough to have known him can take positive lessons and inspiration from this well-lived life. Among the many things that made Paul the man he was was the family he came from. Many of you know members of the Swain clan from having attended one or more Swainfests. Terri and I had the good fortune to attend the family reunion in 2015, where we met Paul's brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and in-laws, who from the start made us feel welcome as part of the larger Swain family. By the end of the weekend, having gotten to know family members through conversations, photos, and family stories shared over good food and drink, I came to the brilliant conclusion that this was truly an all-American family. That defines Paul to a t.

Paul was an American in the finest sense. He was Irish, after all, and hailed from that most American of places, Western Pennsylvania. He was successful and served honorably in military and business endeavors at the heart of the American enterprise. He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman, excelling at skiing, tennis, marathons, golf, boating, and diving, and that is probably the short list. This is inspirational stuff! And he loved to travel, taking in with Mary the best sights our country can offer, coast to coast plus Hawaii and Alaska. Together they also saw a large portion of the outside world, from Ireland to Britain to Europe to Asia and to Central and South America. In fact, the last time Terri and I saw Paul, as it turns out, was when he and Mary visited us at our cottage on Chandos Lake north of Toronto as part of their 49 days 31 states trip in 2018. It is amazing to consider how many thousands and thousands of miles the man covered in his 83 years. That is an inspiration as well.



May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I will miss you - my awesome, smart  & kind Irish Uncle!


Love and prayers to the most wonderful older brother of our family. Being the oldest of eight children, he was always there to help us when needed. Many times he would go to Grandfathers farm and help him with chores and plowing, planting the garden etc. Paul excelled in his studies and after high school, put himself through college . He was so driven to succeed and he did. He led a very successful work ethic and profession. In his private life he met and married Mary who was equally devoted to him. They truly loved each other and worked and traveled together to many places. He would still be there for each of his siblings and parents. It's sad that he has passed and will be truly missed but do hope and pray that he is at peace . There are so many cherished memories of Paul and all his kindness , caring and love for all.. Pray that he has no more pain and at peace in heaven. Love and miss you Paul.
Love, Peggy

I don't even know where to begin;   Uncle Paul has always been this huge influence in our lives; he has been a friend and a supporter in so many ways and has truly led by example.

I will never forget him at Lauri's bedside; his commitment to our entire family during those days was something I will cherish forever.  

Some of my memories are many work trips to Sacramento  that included a side trip to visit Mary & Paul, our trip to HI and he even walked me down the aisle at Lauren's wedding.  At Stefanie's he was the hottest dancer on the floor!

OLD GUYS RULE!!!!!  I will work towards being someone he can be proud of from above!


My fondest memory of Paul is at the finish line of the Nike Women’s Marathon. He was there to support his niece, Terri Swain, but since we completed that journey together, I reaped the benefits of Paul’s love and support as well. Through the years he continued to support my running journey through motivation and by donating to my fundraising goals. He was a generous kind soul and he was loved.  

As Paul would say, he and I were simpatico .... we weren't morning people, loved a good dessert, and always enjoyed a little excitement.  We raced go carts one New Year's Eve (I won), skied down slopes straight and fast (he always won), and parasailed the blue skies of Hawaii just last year (I'd say Paul was the winner at age 82!)

He knew everything about everything, was always ready with a good story, and had such a generous heart.

We hope he finds nephew Luke and is up for some competitive golf in the heavens.

Paul, we will forever value our friendship with you and Mary and we honor the life you lived ... Gail & Phil

And by the way, he had a feeling you wouldn't believe the parasailing so here ya go!





Bernie and I got to know Paul over the last several years at Poplar Creek Golf course where Paul could be found in his late 70's walking the course and carrying his clubs.  He worked on his game the way he approached life; he was truly an inspiration to all of us, as he aged with grace!  Whether it was a local session or an annual gathering in the Pebble Beach area, Paul was a joy to be around with his passion for life, for others, and for new adventures.  We will miss you Paul, but your spirit lives on. 
Much Love, 
Dorothy and Bernie

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Paul has to be the time he took my dad and I to a Cubs and Giants game at AT&T park. The thing about Uncle Paul and Aunt Mary was they were always the best hosts and so generous to all their friends and more so family members.  Uncle Paul was truly the glue that always held the Swain family together.  I am proud that my
Middle name is shared with my Uncle.  We will miss you and love you.

Paul was just such a wonderful friend to us over the years. We have great memories of Paul and Mary during our many trips together including Ireland, Scotland, Hawaii, Boston and the Monterey Peninsula.  It was always amazing how Mary and Paul could find each other in the middle of thousands of people ie; the Boston Marathon.  Paul had a heart of gold and he will be missed but never forgotten. It is an honor to call Paul and Mary our friends. Paul enjoy the golf courses in Heaven and hit it long and straight. We love you.
Patrice and Kevin O'Malley

Our brother, Paul, the oldest of eight children, always set an example for us to shape our lives.  First, he loved all of us unconditionally.  Through his examples, he taught us to respect our elders, be honest, work hard and to be kind to everyone.  Paul flourished thru grade school and on into high school.  His scholastic and thespian achievements surprised no one.  He  put himself through college at Pitt by working multiple jobs and graduating with honors. After college, he joined the Air Force serving in many locations (Greenland his least favorite)!
When Paul and Mary married over three decades ago, we were elated that he found happiness sharing his life with her.    Paul loved celebrating family and friends at any time, especially at all the many family reunions (aka Swainfests) that he started over two decades ago.  When new friends and family members were introduced  he was the first to make them feel like they belonged to the Swain family. 
Paul could always tell a great story, especially an Irish joke and share a hearty laugh!  He enjoyed good food, great wine and even a great Scotch!
Paul was humble and would never brag about his myriad of accomplishments.
His support for family was unwavering.  Paul dearly loved all of his nieces and nephews and their spouses and on through the generations  and they loved him!   A rarity in such a large extended family, Paul never had a negative word for any of us and we cannot remember anyone ever saying a negative word about Paul.  
Not surprisingly, like his life, his career was long and successful.  After retirement, Paul also volunteered quietly and compassionately to help hospitalized children.  Lovingly, during one of his last days, he called out for one young boy explaining that this child was very ill and needed his help!  
All of this with so many more intimate stories from our  brothers and sisters, his  blue eyes, Irish humor and compassionate heart, we will hold Paul in our hearts  forever!
Love, Rita

My brother Paul was a very modest man.  You never heard him brag about himself.  He would brag about his wife, siblings, nieces,  nephews , family members and friends.  He would be the first one to say “congratulations “ no matter how small the event.
Paul was always a leader and it started early in his life.  The day he turned one, our parents had twin girls and that was the start of being the oldest of eight.  He would give us his advice and encouragement without dominating the situation. 
Upon graduating from college, he received a commission in the  US Air Force and obtained the rank of Captain.  After his military commitment, he went into private business and was successful.  
His greatest success was the day he married Mary.  They travel the world together and enjoyed life to the fullest.  Family get togethers were fun and we shared much laughter and a whole lot of love.  
His beautiful smile, twinkling Irish eyes, and humor made the whole world better .   
Paul , you will be missed by all but never forgotten.  
Love you.  
Jean and Doug MacLachlan






Sent from my iPad

Paul was one of the kindest, funniest, and most generous men I’ve met. His wit and love was indispensable in helping Terri through cancer—Tim Man to her Dorothy. His taking on that role helped us all find the humor and love in a challenging time. 

He was always quick to share a joke or a story from a lifetime of travels. His restaurant and sightseeing recommendations were spot-on. Hanging out with Paul and Mary at family events and Swainfests, was always a highlight. 

Sharing his love of good food, good wine, and a good laugh will be my best memories of Paul. 

When I was going through cancer treatment, I equated it to a trip through Oz. Uncle Paul dubbed himself the tin man to my Dorothy and he was always a central character in my struggle and in my life. Everyone who knew him knows that he had the biggest heart of anyone. He was always the first to encourage, help, take you on an exciting adventure...my memories with him include my first trip to Disney, seeing Annie in LA, drinking an Irish coffee at the Buena Vista and exploring Jackson Hole. When we were little and my parents were struggling, he got us a tabogan. Man that thing could fly down Pa snow covered hills. When I was contemplating starting my own business, he told me to go for it and offered business advice. When I finished my one and only marathon, he was waiting at the finish line. He has helped shape me into a more compassionate, giving person and I can only hope to be half the amazing person that he was. Our world will never be the same without him. Clicking my heels three times until we meet again Tin Man! Love Terri

To lose someone like Paul,  who embodied a man that lived his convictions, served his country and community tirelessly, then went on to build a successful career, and was a truly kind man, is such a great loss.  We are thinking of you Mary and send our prayers and love to you and your family members.

We are so grateful for the joys of the Swain's  friendship over the last 30 years.  

Donna & Paul Grayson


Uncle Paul will be missed by so many people. He was such a generous and caring man.  He accomplished so much in his lifetime and traveled the world.... now he will be watching over all of us from heaven. Rest In Peace Uncle Paul.... I love you so much! 

OBITUARY

Paul Patrick Swain

6 October, 1936 – 16 November, 2019

Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery

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