Ralph L. Swanson '53, 1927-2010

Ralph L. SWANSON Sr. Born January 27, 1927 in Detroit MI, the only son of Swedish immigrants Fred & Lilly Swanson, Ralph died peacefully of natural causes July 10, 2010 in Kirkland WA. He grew up in Seattle, graduating from Broadway High School in 1945. He served in the army as an MP in Okinawa at the end of World War II. Ralph attended the University of Washington on a GI Bill and joined the Psi Upsilon fraternity where he eventually became president.

In 1953, Ralph and three fraternity brothers formed Plywood Supply, Inc. which continues to operatein Kenmore WA. Ralph was President then CEO having worked there for over 56 years. Ralph was a respected and prominent businessman in the Kenmore area. He was the first Grand Marshall when the City of Kenmore was formed and the first recipient of Kenmore Heritage Society's McMaster Heritage Award. Ralph was a member of University Congregational United Church of Christ for over 49 years where he met Phyllis Shaw who eventually became his wife. Phyllis passed away in 1998.

Ralph was a Life Member at the Seattle Yacht Club and a long time member at Inglewood Golf Club, Tyee Club, Swedish Club, Inglemoor Key Club, a founding member of Northshore Kiwanis Club, along with other organizations. He enjoyed golfing, skiing, boating, and entertaining guests at Mariner, Seahawk, Husky, and Sonic games. He was a consummate gentleman and one of the kindest, most generous individuals you would ever meet. Ralph always had a way to find the good in people and to see the good in a seemingly bad situation. He rarely if ever complained. Ralph was fond of saying, "If you do something nice for someone, they feel good and you feel good for having done so." Ralph truly lived his life in this manner, touching the lives of many in our community.

Ralph was very proud of his four children, their spouses, and his ten grandchildren and loved to spend time with his family. He was a wonderful father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed. Ralph is survived by his children: Ralph Swanson Jr, Don Swanson, Carol Coleman, and Sandy Skeel and their spouses (respectively): J'Nell Swanson, Laurie Swanson, Ed Coleman, and Jim Skeel along with Ralph's grandchildren: Jeremy & Chris Swanson, Blake, Jacob & Lael Swanson, Hillary, Tyler & Linnea Coleman, and Erik & Karl Skeel.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 2:00p.m. University Congregational United Church of Christ 4515 16th Ave NE Seattle. Arrangements by Acacia Memorial Park 206-362-5525. The family suggests memorials in his name to: Seattle Children's Hospital (206-987-4844), Salvation Army (206-281-4600 please specify "King County"), Northshore YMCA (425-485-9797 ext 5241), or Dale Turner Family YMCA (206-569-7010).

From the Seattle Times:

July 18, 2010