Donald Thomas Swanson's Obituary
Our brother Don passed away at his home in rural Scappoose, Oregon on August 1, 2022. Don was born September 25, 1944, in Burlington, Iowa to Robert A. & Dorothy M. (Robertson) Swanson. Don was the youngest of 4 children. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1962 and headed west to his brother Bob’s home in California. While there he worked as a postal mail carrier and later enlisted in the U.S. Air force in the mid 1960’s and was stationed in Minot, North Dakota for 4 years. Returning from the service he met his life partner Donavan Bickford and they moved to Portland-Scappoose area. Both operated a dog kennel business (raising and showing their shelties). Later in life Don drove a private school bus on a nearby island route until his health deteriorated to retirement.
Don is survived by brother Robert J. (Gail) of Las Vegas, NV., 2 sisters, Nancy K. Huffman of New London, IA and Paula “Gayle” (Darrel Kammrad) Winfrey of Sheffield, Iowa. Nephews-Eric Swanson of San Jose, California, Loren Winfrey of Ankeny, Iowa & Brian (Shelly) Winfrey of Mason City, Iowa. Nieces-Ashley (Darren) DeLaup of Aurora, Colorado, Anne Swanson (Sylvia) of Miami Shores, Florida, Laura (Keith) Wilson of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Pamela (Tracy) Peters of Hutchinson, Kansas. Don’s caretakers- Andreana Lewis (Darren Gardner) of Scappoose, Oregon. Also, great nephews and nieces, cousins. Preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his partner Donavon Bickford, Infant nephew Christopher Swanson & grandniece Miranda Swanson.
His ashes will be returned to Iowa for burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa next to his parents. Private family service & burial will be at a later date. He will be missed.
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