A. Vick Swanson

A. Vick SwansonA. Vick Swanson of Paradise Valley passed away at home the afternoon of Jan. 30. He was 87.Mr. Swanson was born Nov. 26, 1919 in Akron, Ohio, and was raised in Evanston, Ill.He graduated from William and Mary College and came to Arizona in 1945. When he first arrived, he pursued a dream of being a cowboy in Prescott, Ariz.After a successful run as a cowboy, it came time to settle down. Thinking that his prospects might be better with a job in the big city, he moved to Scottsdale.He became vice president at First National Bank of Arizona in Northeast Phoenix.He met Helen Anne O"Connor in the fall of 1956, and after a brief courtship, they married March 2, 1957. They were married for almost 50 years, and had three daughters: Kelly, Tracy and Kimberly.Mr. Swanson enjoyed an active life filled with snow skiing, sailing, fishing and flying, all while continuing to be a cowboy on the side.Mr. Swanson served as president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Phoenix Art Museum, board member of United Way, board member of Scottsdale Girls Club, Scottsdale Rotary member, Roosevelt Rough Rider, Head Honcho of Red Creek Riders and member of the Scottsdale Sheriffs" Posse.Upon retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Swanson divided time between Paradise Valley and Ashcreek Ranch outside of Dewey, Ariz.Mr. Swanson is survived by his wife, his three daughters, son-in-law Michael Daswick and eight grandchildren.A memorial service was held 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.Arrangements were made by Messinger Indian School Mortuary in Scottsdale.