Scott Bernell Swanson

Scott Bernell Swanson passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital Grand Rapids with his beloved son, Peter by his side. He was 82. Scott was born January 18, 1942 to Carl and Mary (Gallapoo) Swanson in Tustin, Michigan. He spent his childhood living in the Heritage Hill Historic District Neighborhood in Grand Rapids Michigan. Educated at Central High School, Scott was an accomplished competitive swimmer medaling several times over before graduation. Scott attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Ruth Lamb in Bethlehem Lutheran Church Grand Rapids before graduating with a Bachelor of Science. Scott moved to Cadillac in 1973.A natural athlete, passionate outdoorsman and avid sportsmen, Scott found his forever home with his family. He forged many lifelong friendships during his life in Cadillac. He was an avid skier, cyclist, spiritual fly fisherman with a trip to Yellowstone with friends a highlight, a golf enthusiast, bird hunter, sailor, passionate dog lover especially his English Setters and student of music until his last days. Scott enjoyed sharing his cabin on 40 acres in the Upper Peninsula with family and many cherished friends throughout his lifetime. If those walls could talk! A devoted Dad, he encouraged his children athletically, academically and artistically. He loved skiing with the family. An ultimate family road trip was the first Swanson Family ski trip to Aspen and Snowmass Colorado spearheaded by his wife Ruth. Several trips west with family and friends followed to several ski destinations. Dad often said, "I'll ski until I die and then I'll ski in Heaven". He loved people and welcomed all with open arms. He was very active in the local community. He was a lifelong member of the Caberfae Ski Club. A former member of the Cadillac Mitchell Yacht Club aka The Boat Club (Thank you to the Garbers) and Cadillac Country Club. He proudly served on the CAPS School Board for many years. Scott was an active member in Zion Lutheran Church serving on the Church Council. He enjoyed fellowship friendship and fun with his church family finding great peace and comfort during trying times in his life. Scott had great admiration respect and love for Pastor Scott Torkko. Scott was a devoted company man to State Farm rarely missing a days work before retirement. After retirement, Scott was happiest on the slopes of Caberfae Peaks with his dear friend, John Sayler and their ski posse at the ski club including Ed Bosworth and many others. Scott also loved cycling with John happily stating, "it's slopes or bike saddles for John and me". Their rides covered endless happy miles together. Scott also cherished bike rides with his beloved friend Rit Portuesi with whom he shared a loving friendship. Scott enjoyed being in the company of dear friend, Tom Jobson. Into the woods, dogs and coffee in tow they would go. The duo enjoyed many breakfasts together and coffee talks. Trusted confidants and loyal friends. Scott liked to say "you can't make old friends." Scott enjoyed playing music with his friends from Manton and a recent highlight was playing for the residents at Maple Ridge. He cherished his coffee group with friends including Allen Meyer, Nick Nelson, Mike Lueder, the late Ed TenHouten, the late Dave Reiser, Jack Dillon, Woody Durham, Mark Holdship, Bruce DeRuiter, Herman Suhs, Mike Coy, Mike Filkins and many others. Scott shared many coffee stories from the table of knowledge with his son, Peter and daughter, Jackie. The coffee stories are legendary. He also loved socializing with many friends in Manton. Dear friends Sandy and Denny joined Scott as he proudly watched his Grandson Jack graduate from NMU in Marquette Michigan December 2023. A memorable milestone for a grateful Grandfather and Grandson. Dad was also very moved (thank you to Peter) by a surprise visit from his Grandson Jack and daughter Jackie this past December. They joined him at church along with dear friend Doc Al Meyer for what would prove to be Scott's last day in attendance at Zion Lutheran Church. Dad was elated. A memorable day for all. A great provider, Scott was a devoted loving husband, Dad, Grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Always there when you needed him. Scott was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth and his two beautiful daughters, Becky Paige and Lori. Also preceded in death by his dear brother, Paige and their parents. And his childhood best friend, Bruce Smith. Scott is survived by his son Peter Swanson, daughter Jackie Swanson (Andrew Smith) of California and grandson, Jack Scott of Washington. Scott is also survived by his dear godson, Scott Smith. Plus many loving nieces and nephews. And his loving brother-in-law, Lou Armstrong. Scott is also survived by his former son in law, John Sovis and wife Toni. Both near and dear to his heart. Scott was an eternal optimist. Dearly loved and will be dearly missed. Dad will always be sunshine on our shoulders. The Swanson family would like to thank the entire Hospice Care Team at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital Grand Rapids including the doctors and nurses who provided compassionate exemplary care for Scott. Memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church or to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Scott Bernell Swanson

January 18, 1942 - January 1, 2025