Gerry and  I helped a fellow  graduate student, a Priest, on an Economics paper at the University of Illinois.  He got an A, and we got B's.  What a laugh we had.   Gerry was a great leader and student!

Condolences to Gwen.

Don

I am so sorry to hear that one of my best  & memorable Professors at the University of Arizona has passed away. He taught me so much. About life.  About finance. About thinking independently. And basing opinions on facts rather than emotions.  I hope and believe that his love of his family and everyone that he knew Will pass along the kindness love laughter generosity and educator To the next generations.. Sincerely, Andrea Barrett. University of Arizona graduate 1994 Karl Eller center of business, double major in marketing and entrepreneurship. 🎓 PS. I had the pleasure of having Gerald Swanson as my professor at least 3 times.  Whenever I had the option I would take his classes. And I would learn so much. And he would make me laugh. And think. 🎓🤗👍💕🌟

Hey, Gerry,

David Engelman once said you die three deaths:

1)  The day you actually die.
2)  The day you are buried or cremated.
3)  The day your name is never spoken on this Earth again.

Every day I take my morning walks, I mention everyone's name that I know who has gone before me.  Your name Gerry ranks right up there with my mom and dad's names.  I have recently added yours and my best friend's name, Don Wells, who passed away in the summer of 2022.  

You two are in Heaven together making each other laugh, because you two sure did that on Earth for all of us.  

Thank you God for having Gerry come into my life!  I miss you dearly Gerry!  

Steven Reff

Dear Gwen,
While surfing the web I came across Gerry's obituary of two years ago. I  remember the good times we had in Champaign-Urbana 
many years ago. Scott was just a baby when  we left the U of I. Julie and I send our heartfelt (though belated) condolences.
Bob Thornton

For some reason the Swanson family popped in my head the other day. I googled Gerry (who I knew as “Mr. Swanson”) and was very sorry to hear of his passing. I housesat for Mr. and Mrs. Swanson long ago when I was in high school. I always found him and his lovely bride to be warm, welcoming, and kind. I am grateful to have known the Swansons in my formative years. Mrs. Swanson if you read this, please know that I’m giving you a big hug and that you and Gerry are in my heart.

I was three times a student of Dr. Swanson's, once by sheer luck in 1995 during my first semester at UA and the others because I enjoyed his classes so much.  The third time I was actually a TA for his Econ 200 course in my last undergraduate semester, despite being an accounting major and not an economics major.  

He was a great teacher and made me feel special in a way I can't comprehend given the hundreds of students he taught each year.  I attended events in Phoenix twice in the following decade where he was a featured guest and he never failed to recognize me.  

I am sure his family knows how beloved of a teacher he was, but I hope my small story helps reinforce that and bring even the smallest measure of comfort.  

I was a student of Dr. Swanson in 2006 at U of A and had him for 8am Econ101. I was a business minor and his class was required.  I was unsure of how it would be especially at 8am but Dr. Swanson made it fun and interesting.  He was all about student engagement and let each student say their opinion.  I learned more in his class about Econ and finance than any other class.  He showed us a video of him on CNN giving the former presidents grades on their economic policies which I thought was really cool.  I will always remember him as a sweet, genuine guy who truly put his heart into what he did. U of A will not be the same without him.  

So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing.  What a great Economist and Counselor.  My deepest sympathy to Gwen and family.

Don Monteith, Hopkins Hall

Ann and I are saddened to read about Jerry’s passing. He truly changed the college experience for many, more than perhaps any faculty member at the University of Arizona. We were fortunate to know him and Gwen. His legacy remains with his family and many many students and admirers. 

There are not enough positive adjectives on this Earth to describe Professor Gerry Swanson’s dedication to family, outlook on life, ability to engage nearly 50,000 economics students at The University of Arizona, passion to pass on his knowledge to thousands of “budding economics educators.”   Gerry’s reach will go far beyond his physical being on Earth and his teaching will be passed on to generations to come.  You will be dearly missed, Gerry, but never forgotten.   Your infectious laugh and effervescent smile will be your two traits that I will envision the most every time I think about you, Gerry.  Happy trails to you on your way to Heaven!

OBITUARY

Gerald John Swanson

13 October, 1940 – 16 January, 2020

East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery

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