Ronald Edward Swan Sr.

Journeyman Carpenter, and Craftsman – passed away September 18, 2021 at his home in Brighton,

Michigan, surrounded by his loving family. Ron was 89.

Born October 1931 in Detroit, Michigan, Ron was the third of five sons to Fred and Myrtle Swan. The Swan family moved from Detroit to the Village of Wayne in 1936 after moving a house from Dearborn to the family property on Merriman Road, in Wayne. Ron was artistic from a young age as he taught himself to play the harmonica and influenced other students to learn it. They formed a harmonica band at Hayti Elementary School in Romulus, Michigan. In high school Ron worked at a local butcher shop and was known to be quite handy with a knife and cleaver. In 1950 Ron made a commitment to Uncle Sam and his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. The Korean War was well underway, and after completing basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago, he was headed to the west coast by train, and was assigned to the U.S.S. Manchester. The Manchester was a light cruiser assigned to the Pacific Fleet. Ron and the men of the Mighty Manchester spent 4 years protecting the seas around Korea, as well as the ground troops along the coast. Ron was a skilled radar operator on the Mighty Manchester, and would tell a harrowing landmine story of a chief that instructed him “very well carry on” after Ron continued to inform the chief of the imminent danger they were in while near and entering a land mine field. Thankfully for the men of Manchester, Ron did not ……....carry on. Upon returning to Wayne, Michigan from active duty in February 1955, Ron joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters of America Labor Union 337, and he began in lifelong love and passion for construction and carpentry. Ron began his career with the R. E. Dailey Company as a young apprentice carpenter, and quickly moved up the ranks to journeyman, foreman, and superintendent. In his 37 year run with the R. E. Dailey Company, Ron was both respected and admired for his knowledge and work ethic. Ron married Nancy Ellen Hull in July 1956. The two were each other’s lifelong companions and built a life together around their families. They were blessed with two children, Ron Jr. and Sherry. Ron was always up for a good challenge and in 1972 Ron and Nancy began their lifes dream of building a house together in the Irish Hills. Today locals fondly refer to the house as the “Ol Swan Place”. Ron enjoyed numerous recreational sports including hunting, bowling, water skiing, fishing, gardening, and golf. Forever an University of Michigan fan, Ron Jr. alma mater. In his later years Ron was an avid wood worker extraordinaire, and Stain Glass Artist. Each piece was designed and created from his own artistic design. In recent years Ron moved to Howell where he enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Beloved husband of the late Nancy Ellen for over 61 years. Loving father of Ron (Jill) Swan Jr. and Sherry (Brian) Hewett. Loving grandfather of Brittany (Chris) Eulitz , Ron (Ashley) Swan III, and Kalie Noel Hewett. Dear brother of Wayne (Cindy) Swan and the late Ralph Swan, Fred Swan Jr., and David Swan. Ronald is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Proud Navy Veteran and member of the Harris-Kehrer VFW Post 3323 .

Visitation Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 4pm-8pm and Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 11am-8pm at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 34567 Michigan Avenue in Wayne. Funeral Service Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11am (in state 10am) at the Funeral Home. Interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Wayne.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.