Joseph (Joe) Swanson

Joseph Leroy Swanson passed from this world straight into the presence of HisLordJesus on April 15, 2016. A memorial celebration will be held at MountainSprings Church at 2:00 on April 23, immediately followed by a potluck. He was born in 1935, the ninth of ten children to Alfred and Daphne Swanson, in Harrisburg, Oklahoma. He moved his wife and 2-year-old daughter to the California coast at the age of 23, with nothing but their belongings and the promise of a job interview. Joe was a simple man who made a career as a commercial printer. He was highly respected by both his peers and those for whom he worked. He retired at the age of 62, and for his last 18 years he lived with his daughter and son-in-law, making the move with them to Bonners Ferry, Idaho in 2007. He took great joy in coaching Little League baseball for many years because he loved the game and the kids who played it. He later took to weekly visiting “his ladies” at the Restorium, where he would chat with them and sing their favorite songs. He also loved fishing and gardening, and playing dominoes or cards with friends. Joe is survived by his sister, Annabelle Dewbre and brother, Jerry Swanson; his daughter Shelly Thompson and son-in-law Scott; his son Michael and daughter-in-law Elvie, his daughter Jami Ornellas; his granddaughters Icylee Goyette and Erin Gorter and grandson Evan Thompson, and their spouses; and his great-granddaughter Harley. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Joe loved the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart, soul, mind and strength; and he loved the people the Lord brought into his life. He read his Bible for hours a day, and was a true prayer warrior. For Joe, the term “Church family” was a reality, and he deeply loved the body of Christ. His parting leaves a void in many lives. Joe thought, spoke, and sang about heaven with absolute certainty. We’re confident he now sees the reality of that glorious place he longed for, and we look forward to the day we’re reunited there.