Born in Houston, Texas April 21, 1956, Rick was the second son of Jim and Karen Swinney, brother to David and James. Rick spent much of his youth in the Spokane Valley, where he graduated from Central Valley High School. He achieved academic excellence at Seattle Pacific University and Washington State University where he graduated with a masters in physics. During his time at Seattle Pacific and Central Valley Rick was an accomplished distance runner and member of the school teams. He continued to run marathons after college including the Boston marathon. Rick was a member of the Mormon Church where he undertook a 2 year mission to Japan in the 1980s. After his mission he enrolled in the doctorate program at BYU before he was hired by the defense department. For much of his life Rick worked for the defense department utilizing his physics and mathematics expertise. Rick retired early due to health issues returning to the Spokane Valley to be close to his parents and family.
Rick passed on September 8, 2021 due to complications from the COVID infection. Rick is survived by his good friend Mary.
There will be a graveside service 11:00 Saturday, September 25 at the Saltese Cemetery. Masks will be required.
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