Dear Barbara, Frank & family,   
We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Ian.  We have such wonderful memories of Ian & your family.  All the fun parties, ball games, family events, & laughs we all shared for so many years.  
Ian will truly be missed, but he will forever remain in our hearts.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
May Ian rest in peace.
love,  Tammy (Sanderson) Grasser & family    XOXO

I worked with Ian at Kellogg's I appreciated his wit and business savvy so sorry to hear of his passing my thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.

Mike

The Swift family were our next door neighbors in Oceanside, NY throughput Ian’s formative years.  My son Rob & Ian were really great friends.  They were on sane/different football & baseball teams.  Ian was a really good athlete as well as being a good & friendly kid. 
My family is so sorry & sad. Ian will surely be missed. Sending prayers & love. 
Sincerely,
Lynda & Robert & Daniel Forster

Frank, Barbara and Family

Having known Ian for 25 plus years, he was always very kind, considerate and generous to us; many memorable family visits.  We are very saddened to learn of his passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.  

Rosemary and Bill Sano

I have know Ian for a long time.  From my time with Kellogg's to reporting to him at Bazooka for the past 7 years.  Ian was not just my boss but a great friend.  We shared a love of golf and family.  When I got tickets to the Masters, I could not think of someone more that I wanted to share that with than Ian.  I recently ran into him at the Charlotte airport and we shared a laugh and smiles.  

Rest in peace my friend.  God Bless his family.

I worked with Ian as part of the New York Division Team at Kellogg’s. Today, these Team members may work for other companies other than Kellogg’s, but they are truly a who’s who of leaders in the food industry. Ian was one of those leaders, even back in those early NYC days. I am sure his NYC boss at Kellogg’s, Anne Pfitzer, is welcoming him into heaven with a huge smile on her face. Ian, you will be missed!

Would like to share a childhood memory of Ian. 

As a child, Ian was one of my best friends. We grew up together in Oceanside, NY.  Throughout Junior High, nearly every school morning, I would walk to Ian’s home and join his family for breakfast. His mother Barbara made the best Bisquick pancakes with lots of delicious syrup.  Of course, eating that much food made us a little later for school - forcing us to short cut through the neighbor’s yard (who was not too happy to see us on his property) in order to arrive to school on time (yes, we actually walked by ourselves back then).  As children we enjoyed playing sports (we were both on the same football team - yellow team), playing video games with his older brother Russ, riding bikes, collecting/flipping baseball cards and generally rough housing/goofing off as young boys might do.  After school I had a newspaper route that went around his street block - so would get to hang out/see him again on most days.  My childhood memories of Ian and his family (Father Frank, Mother Barbara and Brother Russell) are truly some of my favorites from childhood. I was also fortunate to connect back up with Ian later in life during our high school reunions. He was a wonderful and caring friend who was well liked by everyone he met.  I am very saddened to hear of his passing. My love and prayers go out to his family and friends.  Robert Forster

As I reminisce about Ian Swift, I'm reminded not only of his  professional journey but also of his unique spirit and zest for life.

Ian's life took him from the  boroughs of New York City to the quieter Battle Creek, Michigan, where he made his contributions working at Kellogg in the frozen food division.

He had a talent for achieving results while also injecting humor into the workplace by playing practical jokes on colleagues and friends. His insatiable curiosity was another defining trait; he was always continuously expanding his knowledge.

One particular memory stands out – a trip we took to the Morning Star Farms plant in Zanesville, Ohio. Ian's goal was clear: to gain insights into our veggie food production and better serve our company and customers. During our journey, he spotted a machine in the field and asked, "Now, that guy driving that has it made! No one to bother him and working in a big enclosed machine. What is that?"

Being from the Midwest, I couldn't help but chuckle at his question and explained that it was a combine, the very machine that harvested the corn and soybeans for our Kellogg products. Ian, always ready with a witty response, said, "Whatever it's called, I'm from New York, and that looks like a great way to make a living!" It was clear that Ian was drawn to the idea of the peace and solitude that the combine offered.

So, whenever I think of Ian, I can't help but picture him behind the wheel of a John Deere combine, a symbol of tranquility amidst the vast fields of the Midwest. Ian Swift was an individual who had the ability to bring laughter to our lives while pursuing excellence in his work. His inquisitive nature and unwavering spirit will continue to inspire us, even as we say our goodbyes.

In memory of Ian, I celebrate his life and his dedication to family. May we carry forward the memories.

You will be missed, but your spirit will live on in the hearts of family and friends forever.

My deepest sympathy,

Brian Van Haaften

My heartfelt condolences are extended to Ian's loved ones during this difficult time. The untimely departure of Ian has left a void that will be deeply felt by numerous people. My thoughts are with Ian's family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him; this loss is truly profound. I had the privilege of working alongside Ian back in the early 2000s at Kellogg's, collaborating on a Frozen Foods project for Safeway. His unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on me. The news of his passing was both shocking and saddening. May Ian find eternal peace.

Sincerely,
Pat Conzet – Cincinnati, OH

May you find peace in your pain and comfort in your grief.

Barbara & Frank,
         We were so saddened to hear about Ian's sudden passing and want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire 
family.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.      
                  Judy & John

Dear Swift family, 
Ian was a true friend that made a difference in many lives. People you don’t know will feel sadness and loss because of the love and friendship Ian always gave unconditionally. Over 20 years ago, I met Ian and he has been a friend and confidant that I was blessed to have in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you forever and I will always consider myself a lucky person to have had the chance to work, laugh and respect Ian. 
All my love, Glenn.

OBITUARY

Ian Kenneth Swift

March 4, 1968 – October 1, 2023

Babione Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Life Celebration

Prayer Service