Mr. Alan C. Swanson

Birth date: Apr 18, 1937 Death date: Jul 28, 2018

On Saturday, July 28th, 2018, Lt. Colonel Alan C Swanson, USAF Retired, heard the reassuring voice in the tower say, “Clear Ahead, Commander.” The squadron surrounding him heard his firm response, “Wheels UP!” and watched him depa Read Obituary

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Frederick P. Sachs

311w ago

Dear Mrs. Swanson and Family,

Please accept my belated condolences as I have only recently learned of Colonel Swanson’s passing. I was fortunate to have been associated with him while being a member of his squadron in Germany from 1978 to 1981. It was always interesting that he had the flying skill and aeronautical knowledge to pilot a C-130 to 20,000 feet or more and yet be so down-to-earth. Was his terrestrial quality drawn from his Mid-Western origin? Maybe so. That he made a successful career transition to marketing post Air Force retirement is not surprising given his competence and friendly personality. He was a natural. I am glad to know that he enjoyed a life of fulfillment, family and friends. Al will be remembered with admiration and affection. Blessings to all of you.

Sincerely,

Lt Col Frederick P. Sachs, USAFR, Ret. Pleasanton, California

Katie Schullo

366w ago

I met Al while working at Smith's Industries. He always took time to stop, address you by name and say hello. I was an 18 year old kid at reception desk. He was such a kind gentleman. It is my privilege to have known him. I just learned of his passing and the world lost a great man. My deepest condolences for Judy and his entire family.

Katie ( Rodriguez ) Schullo

Dr. Tim And Linda Taylor

374w ago

We first met Al when you lived on Muskegon Lake in the beautiful condos. His warm, friendly smile was an immediate gift. I appreciated his service to our country and the fact that his rank foretold his quality as a leader.

We enjoyed our times togetther with you and Al, Judy. I am sure he will be missed. Our prayers for a sense of peace go out to you and your family. We will contact you separately so we can get caught up.

Tim and Linda Taylor

Kent Weixelman

374w ago

Judy and Family,
You have are deepest sympathy, and Brenda and I are keeping all of you in our prayers.

I knew Al for over 20 years due to business between Boeing and Smiths, and when we were both working, we talked every week without fail. We had a connection that I have only had with a few people. I can state for fact that Al was personally responsible for the majority of business between Smiths and Boeing defense, including VC-25, E-4B, KC-10 GATM, and C-130 AMP programs during these times.

After retirement Al and I continued to talk a couple of times a month. These phone calls were always a highlight of my day. I will be forever thankful that I was able to talk with Al for a few minutes the night before we lost him. It meant the world to me.

Al was such a good friend that I had made reservations to fly to Grand Rapids last Sunday to say goodbye in person, only to cancel when Judy called me to pass on the news that Al was gone. I will miss him dearly!

Kent Weixelman

Michael Dejonge

375w ago

Judy,

Our sympathies to you. I had the privilege of spending several good years working with Al at Lear/Smiths/GE and have fond memories of our time together. It is sad to see him leave us. He was a great guy, both at work and at leisure. Lin and I send our best regards to you.

Michael and Lin DeJonge

Melissa Smith

375w ago

Dear Judy and family,
Jim and I are saddened to read about Al’s recent death. You and Al are special people and we regret not seeing more of you these past few years. Both of your friendships has meant a lot to us over the years and we will miss knowing Al is not walking the earth with us anymore. We pray you can lean heavily on the wonderful memories you two shared and find peace in God’s arms.

Love,
Jim and Melissa Smith

Mark Brideau

375w ago

Had the great honor to work with Al on both tough and successful business efforts. I'm more honored to have shared a branch of military service with him and I'm a better person for having known him.

Praying for God's blessings and comfort for the family.

Dan Hagy

375w ago

Spent quite a few hours in the air over Germany with LtCol Swanson. He was a great guy!

Dan Hagy
SMSgt USAF-Retired

John Dale

375w ago

Sure have good memories of Al! Flew in the 350th SRS with him sending jet drones flying over N. Vietnam and China and Al later took over my position in the Strategic Reconnaissance Center which controlled that activity during the Vietnam War. I had left the Recce Center at Offutt AFB and was over at U-Tapao RTAB as ops officer for the drone unit and we retrieved one of the leaflet dropping drones with a bunch of holes shot in it. I had previously briefed Al when I left the Recce Center that this type drone needed to be flown only at night as it was slow and low when it dropped the leaflets over the targets in N. Vietnam. It's launch time was close enough to day break that it could be seen by the enemy gunners when it flew over the target. I called him on it and he said " Jeeze John, I didn't know they got up early enough to shoot at it"!! Lots of fun times in the old times! I expect he'll be waiting on the ramp for the rest of us to land from our final flight West. He could always be counted on down here!

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