Russel Perkins "Rusty" Swaney, Class of 1955
[Published in Grand Rapids Press on June 5, 2012] SWANEY RUSSEL PERKINS "RUSTY" East
Grand Rapids Russel Perkins Swaney, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and
grandfather, age 79 of East Grand Rapids, died Sunday, June 3, 2012 at home
surrounded by family after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was
preceded in death by his parents and son, Billy. Rusty was born in Grand Rapids
to Russel and Marion Swaney. He was the second of five siblings. Rusty
graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and was a member of the 1950 State
Championship basketball team and for many years held the record for the most
points scored in a final state game (27 points!). Rusty also played varsity
baseball for all four years. Rusty also excelled at football and played for two
years at the University of Michigan. Rusty was a member of the Phi Delta Theta
fraternity and graduated with an engineering degree from the University of
Michigan in June 1955. Rusty met the love of his life, M. Jean Grigware, during
their freshman year at East Grand Rapids High School. They spent the early
years of their marriage in Ann Arbor while Rusty finished his engineering
degree at U of M and Jean taught 1st grade. After graduation, they moved to
Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas where Rusty served as a First Lt.
in the United States Air Force. After completion of his service, Rusty and Jean
returned to East Grand Rapids where they have resided for the past 54 years.
Rusty is survived by his loving wife Jean, and three children, Steve and Sarah
Swaney, (Austin, Spencer, Clare), Tom and Sue Swaney, (Kirk, Bobbie, Stewart),
and Sherry and Keith Stewart, (Billy, Peter, Jake, Stephanie) and grandson,
Joshua Swaney (father Billy Swaney). Rusty is also survived by his
mother-in-law, Mary Grigware and his siblings, Shirley Swaney, Sandy (Cort)
Lecklider, Bill (Nancy) Swaney and Richard (Terry) Swaney. Rusty, Jean and their
children have enjoyed the family cottage, the Topsider, at Macatawa for 52
summers. In their early days at Macatawa, Rusty and his sailing friends
purchased a 12 meter yacht called the Mitena from a broker on the east coast
thus starting big boat racing on Lake Michigan. The racing circuit included
numerous Chicago to Mackinaw races. Rusty was the owner of Swaney Sales, Inc.,
a commercial supplier of heating and cooling equipment. The business is now
carried on by his son, Steve. Rusty was active in the East Grand Rapids
Boosters and enjoyed serving as treasurer of the Holland "Big Red"
Lighthouse Historical Commission. Rusty was completely dedicated to his wife,
children and grandchildren. Rusty was also a big presence in the extended Swaney
family. His positive attitude, analytical skills, big heart and love of family
will be missed by all. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated
Thursday, June 7th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton SE,
Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider and Rev. Mark C. Przybysz, presiding. Interment
Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation for the public will be Wednesday, June 6th from
6- 8 PM at the O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Memorial
contributions may be made to I.U. Foundation Cancer Research, Dr. Lawrence H.
Einhorn, M.D., 535 N. Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5289 or EGR Team
Boosters, 2211 Lake Dr. SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506. - See more at:
http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?pid=157939079#fbLoggedOut
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