Charles Burrows Swanson

Charles B. Swanson, 91, passed away on October 19, 2018. Charles “Chuck” was surrounded by love of his partner Dorothy Warner, her daughter and granddaughters, whom he developed a close relationship with over the years. As Charles always did, his love for people and was abundant as many will attest to. Charles was the devoted and loving husband to his late wife Dorothy Swanson. His circle of friends and animals were of utmost importance to Chuck. He provided continual love and support to all of his friends and his cousin Joan.

Chuck was born September 12, 1927 in Seattle, WA. Charles grew up in Queen Ann Hills as an only child, his mother a being nurse and father an interior designer. He was a proud US Navy Air Corps WWII veteran. He enjoyed a rewarding career as a GM executive for 36 years. Charles valued his friends, coworkers and neighbors. He was always ready with a helping hand, kindness and encouragement. He would fix golf clubs for his friends, mow his neighbor’s yards and feed all the squirrels and bunny’s in the neighborhood. He had a soft, kind heart who rescued a lame duck, brought him to his home, made a splint for his broken leg and made his yard into a safe place for his duck to live out the remainder of his life. He felt bad that the duck was alone, so he went and got him another duck, so the duck would have a friend. That’s the kind of man Charles was. For anyone who he called his friend (they were treated just like family), Charles provided a tremendous example of strength, courage, hope, wisdom, determination, self-reliance and perseverance. He was an amazing man, loving and kind, with a smidge of grumpy on top, but that was Chuck, a loyal partner, friend, and savior to many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Charles memory to the VFW post 7824, 400 N. Andersen Rd. Vancouver, WA 98661 or Dove Lewis, 1945 NW Pettygrove St. Portland, Or 97232.

Graveside Service at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, OR Thursday, November 1 at 12:00pm. Immediately following service will be a Celebration of Life at Rose City Nazarene, Portland, Oregon.