Arthur Swanson

POLSON — With wit, wisdom, and dignity, Arthur Swanson died at his home in Polson on Saturday Aug. 26, 2006, at the age of 66, after a three-year battle with cancer.

Art was born on June 19, 1940, in Sandpoint, Idaho, and grew up in Fairfield, where he graduated from high school in 1958. On June 21, 1963, Art married the love of his life, Barbara Standish, in Choteau. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry at Fort Carson, Colo., for two years and returned to Montana where he graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in economics and finance in 1968. The family moved to Portland, Ore. and Art worked for the Department of Housing and Urban Development as an appraiser and underwriter until his retirement in 1995. He traveled with his job and worked on many disasters.

After retirement, Art and Barbara moved back to Montana and settled in Polson. Art enjoyed building fine furniture, woodcarving and boat building. He made many beautiful pieces of furniture for the family, which will always be cherished.

Art loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends.

Art is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Kirsten Swanson of Juneau, Alaska, son Gregg and daughter-in-law Kim Swanson of Seattle; sisters Shirley and husband George Slater of Great Falls; and Karma Ruether of Billings, MT, and Barbara's sister and brother-in-law Janet and Roger Hinther of Missoula, who helped in so many ways; plus many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A 3-day family reunion was held in July at the Swanson home and gave everyone an opportunity to reminisce and say good-bye. He is also survived by his special pal, Snuffy, who he rescued many years ago.

Preceding him in death were his father "Whitey" Swanson, mother Gladys Ross and brother Dean Ross.

At the request of Art, no services will be held. A celebration of Art's life will be held in the future.

The family suggests memorials to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 239 N. Reservoir Road, Polson, MT 59860 or St. Pat's House, 501 W. Alder Street, Missoula, MT 59802. Arrangements were handled by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.