Frederick Lee Swaffer went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2015. He was born in Dearborn, MI, 80 years ago to Florence (Gorlitz) and Thomas Eugene Swaffer. He did his undergraduate work at Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC, where he got particular enjoyment being part of the stage crew. BJU was ahead of its time in presenting outstanding stage productions. He was proud to have received his Master’s Degree in Theoretical Mathematics at Notre Dame University in Indiana.
Fred married Dawn Cochrane on June 19, 1954, and together they had four children: Fred (Cathy) Swaffer, Michele Swaffer, Kris (Rose) Swaffer and Kimberley Mendicelli. He later married Eileen Gilliland Kinney and brought her three daughters into the family circle: Jill Kinney, Judi (Dave) Doolan and Joni Gonzales. Eileen passed away in 1995. Fred married his third wife, Jean (Baier) Swaffer in 1997 and she survives him.
A loving grandfather to 18 grandchildren: Rachel, Zachary and Marea Swaffer, Meghan (Aaron) Pols, Kristopher and Connor Swaffer, Tom (Shana) Ryan, Christina (Shea) Campbell, Rebecca Ryan, and Matt Ryan, Jon and Joe Mendicelli, Kandis, Michael and Adam Gould, Cara Gonzales, Eileen and Ryan Doolan. The nine great-grandchildren are: Kayle Campbell, Avalon Eileen Gould, Malachi Elijah Berry, Destiny and Mya Brooks McBride, Nena, Kiera and Jean-Luc Ryan, and Jack Ryan.
Fred was a special brother to: Thomas (Mona Lawrence) Swaffer, James (Margaret) Swaffer, Roberta (Richard) Hunter and John (Cyndie) Swaffer, who all survive him.
He is also survived by a huge contingent of nieces, nephews, and cousins on the Swaffer/Gorlitz/ Hunter/ Cochrane side of the family and many on the Gilliland side as well. Plus many, many friends, industry colleagues and former students. He will be greatly missed by all.
Fred had a varied work career including running a canoe livery on the AuSable River, owning a Southern California travel agency and as Corporate Travel Manager for Hewlett-Packard. But his true love was teaching, whether it was 22+ years teaching mathematics in the Garish-Higgins School District, and other downstate schools or teaching corporate travel management and negotiation skills at industry trade shows.
The family wants to thank Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, the Missaukee County Commission on Aging, Munson Home Health Care, Compassionate Care, and Dr. Helen Kiomento for all their support and assistance over the years. Special thanks to Fred’s aide, Joyce, for her warm, competent and consistent care.
A service celebrating Fred’s life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 11:00 AM, at the Lake City United Methodist Church, 301 E. John Street, Lake City, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider donations to the Lake City United Methodist Church Building Fund or the charity of your choice.