Raymond Charles Swanson

Raymond Charles Swanson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday, November 4th, 2001. He was born on April 13th, 1926, to Oscar and Ellen Swanson of Selah, Washington. After graduating from Selah High School in 1944, he joined the United States Army and spent one year serving his country in Japan. On August 22, 1948, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life ? Irene Haworth.

They then moved to Seattle, where he attended the University of Washington Law School and graduated with honors in 1952. He was then admitted to the Washington State Bar and joined the Seattle law firm founded by John Ryan, later known as Ryan, Swanson, and Cleveland, where he served as the managing partner from 1982 to 1989. He retired from practice in 1993 and remained active pursuing his many interests, which included fishing at McKee?s Beach, attending Seattle Sonics basketball games, playing tennis, watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events, and extensive travel, with his wife Irene.

Raymond was devoted to his family and they will remember him fondly for his integrity, generosity, and kindness. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Irene Marie Swanson; brother Ronald Herbert Swanson, his wife Virginia Swanson of Yakima, Washington; three children; daughter Elaine Swanson Gardner, her husband Stephen Gardner of Seattle, Washington; daughter Joanne Rae Swanson, her husband, Ed Beeson their children Michael Ray Beeson and Margaret Ellen Beeson of Edmonds, Washington; son Neil Haworth Swanson, his wife Joy Swanson, their children Blake Andrew Swanson and Jett Riley Swanson of Bainbridge Island, Washington.

A celebration of Raymond?s life is planned for Thursday, November 8th, at the Sand Point Country Club at 8333 55th N.E., Seattle, Washington, from 2pm ? 4pm, for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made in Ray's name to the Washington Law School Foundation--Law Library, 1100 NE Campus Parkway, Seattle, WA 98105-6617.