Roy Darrell Swartzell, 75

Roy Darrell Swartzell left this world on Saturday, July 24, 2010. He was born on Feb. 16, 1935 in Hutchinson, Kan. Anyone who knew Darrell is aware that many adventures transpired in his 75 years on this earth. He was especially proud to have served his country, serving as a US Ranger & Special Forces in the Army in Viet Nam and called to duty in Laos (captain), Desert Storm (colonel) and served as military attaché in Islamabad, Pakistan.

His interests included Native American history, tennis, reading, economic history of the Balkans, painting, and carpentry. Darrell was a life-long learner. He had an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University, an MBS from University of Nevada (Reno), and a PHD in economic history from Los Angeles University.

After a long career in the field of financial services, Darrell wanted to give back to his country and chose to serve as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). He served one year at the Josephine County Food Bank in Grants Pass, Ore., developing a community garden and was close to completing a second year of service working for the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho developing a quality improvement program.

Darrell was very fond of this part of the country, finding a place he could call home. He is survived by a son, Craig Stanton Swartzell in Lenexa, Kan., a daughter, Cindy Walker in Colorado Springs, Colo. and several grandchildren.