Gregory Swanson, 62
Gregory Gene Swanson, 62, was graciously ushered into the kingdom of heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, in Sandpoint. A celebration of Greg's life will be held at 4 p.m. today, Aug. 20, 2011, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint.
Greg was born on Sept. 14, 1948, in Moscow, to Elmer and Carole Swanson. He grew up and attended schools in Moscow, graduating from Moscow High School in 1965, where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. As a young adult Greg worked with his father in the woods as a logger. Greg served his country in the Idaho National Guard during the Vietnam War.
Greg worked as a journeyman plumber for the University of Idaho, Washington State University and Eastern Washington University. He then went to work for Avista Corp. in Spokane where he met and married Deborah Gordon on Sept. 5, 1987. In 1991 the couple and their family moved to Sandpoint, where Greg worked as a local representative for Avista.
Greg's life was centered around his love for Jesus, his family, and the Body of Christ. Greg served on the Moscow Volunteer Fire Department. He loved to travel, take drives, garden, R.V., camp, fish, hunt, boat, and watch the Seattle Seahawks.
He found enjoyment in telling life stories to his friends and family. Greg's heart of generosity was called to the ministry of God, serving those who were less fortunate and the homeless. He instilled the qualities of hard work, honestly, honor and his faith in God in the lives of his children; a legacy that will be passed on for generations.
He is survived by his wife Deborah Swanson, in Sandpoint; two sons, Chad (Jeana) Swanson, of Coeur d'Alene, and Justin (Miki) Swanson Gordon, of Oak Harbor, Wash.; one daughter Amber Swanson Gordon, of Seattle; four grandchildren Shelby, Grace, Colby, and Dane; one brother Brad (Michele) Swanson of Spokane; three nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bonner Gospel Mission, 4555 Triangle Drive, in Ponderay, ID 83852.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Greg's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.