Obituary of Ronald A. Swanson

Ronald A. Swanson, 86 years old, died peacefully on Monday July 29, 2019 at Edgewood Center, Portsmouth, NH in the loving company of his son and daughter. Ron was born on Christmas Day, 1932 in Brockton, MA to Miriam Stedman Swanson and Ralph O. Swanson. He was an only child for 19 years until Paul Swanson was born. He married his childhood sweetheart, Eleanor R. Turner, whom he met in 6th grade. They both attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, Class of ’55 and ’56. He was an avid amateur butterfly collector, but figured medicine was a better career choice. He attended Boston College of Medicine. Life got very busy after that with internship, 2 years in the Navy and 5 children! The family moved to Maine in 1964, and eventually to the place we called home for 45 years on Mere Point Road in Brunswick. He and Ellie (and the kids on holidays) were devoted members of the Unitarian Universalist church. He coached and refereed his sons in Pee Wee hockey and took figure skating to make Ellie happy. He SCUBA dove for pleasure and scallops. He was passionate about music and belonged to the U.U. choir, The Brunswick Barbershop choir and even his own quartet. After the death of his eldest daughter, Laureen, he created a stained glass masterpiece, teaching anyone who wanted to take part, how to create and place each and every piece. This heartfelt treasure still hangs in the U.U. church today. He loved to go out in his boat and bring his kids and grandchildren fishing. He gave highly coveted awards to those who got the first fish, biggest fish, the smallest fish, most fish on a stringer, etc. We all have at least one of his awards. He loved his dogs Tawny, Casco and Hairy Potter. Mostly he loved his wife and family, and will always be “Papa” to us. He will be remembered for his kindhearted and easy demeanor. He is survived by his younger brother Paul, his sons Warren (Gigi) and Ralph Swanson, his daughters April Kates (Jimmy) and Holly Swanson (Pete), grandchildren Bradley, Micky and Laurel Swanson, Emily, Sean and Micheal Kates, Gabriella and Asia Ferrera and great granddaughter Paige Swanson. We will be celebrating his life at 808 Mere Point Road on the afternoon of Saturday, September 21, 2019 or in case of rain, Sunday, Sept 22nd.