Richard Homer Swadling

Lifelong Petoskey resident, Richard H. Swadling, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 16, 2016.  He is survived by his loving wife Bev and by his children Lisa (Les) Hamilton of Drumheller, Alberta Canada, Julie (Tim) Wandrie of Walloon Lake, Debbie (Rob) Youngs of Saline, Michigan and Jim Swadling of Petoskey.  Rich's grandchildren include Brandon, Kyle and Troy Swadling, Matt Wandrie, and Grace and Afton Youngs, and special friends Carl and Sally May, Dexter McNamara, Moe Fields and Dr. Gustav Lo.

Rich was born September 30, 1946 in Petoskey to Homer and Marion (Petrowski) Swadling, both of whom preceded him in death. Rich attended Petoskey schools and was a graduate of the PHS Class of 1965; in the fall of that same year on November 6, he married the love of his life Beverly Schwartzfisher, they shared nearly 51 years together.   

Rich worked for a number years for both McLaughlin's and then Penn Dixie.  He went on to work for the Emmet County Road Commission, eventually retiring after 24 years of service.  Rich enjoyed a simple life and cherished most the times he spent with his kids, grandkids and close friends; hunting, fishing and camping.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and really took pleasure in playing the occasional good natured prank.  No list of his hobbies and pastimes would be complete without first mentioning his garden.  He had a real passion and true gift for gardening, and took immense pleasure in sharing the fruits of his labor with everyone.  It was impossible to leave the Swadling home at harvest time without a big bag of something from the garden finding its way into your car.  Rich was a wonderful husband, a loving father and a great friend.  He was so loved, and will truly be missed.   

Rich's life will be remembered, and celebrated during a funeral service that will be led by Fr. Dennis Stilwell this Saturday, August 20th at 11:00 a.m. at Stone Funeral Home.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8 p.m.  Interment will follow the service in Joy Valley Cemetery in Springvale Township.

Friends choosing to remember Rich with a charitable contribution are asked by his family to consider Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, http://hospiceltb.org/

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