Leonard O. Swanson, 85, of Clearwater, passed away on June 29, after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Helen, and 3 children; daughters Diane Donlin of Clearwater, Florida; Lynne (Gary) Jacques of Hemlock, Michigan; and son Leonard (Ruby) Swanson of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He had 4 grandchildren, Carl Swanson, Paul Swanson, Cheryl (Sean) Hagerty and Adam Bremer, and 1 newborn great-granddaughter, Alexis Hagerty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Len was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota and was preceded in death by 2 sisters and 1 brother. He was a Marine, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war he settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he met his wife Helen, who had recently immigrated to the United States from Berlin, Germany. He began a long and successful career in sales management for a large appliance firm, and lived for many years in the Detroit area. He retired to Seminole, Florida in 1989.
Len got the greatest joy from being around his family and friends. For many years, he enjoyed his regular visits to the Beachcomber Restaurant on Clearwater Beach. His jokes and one-liners were legendary to all who had the pleasure to socialize with him. He was a loving Father and Grandfather, and took great pride in his family.
It was very difficult for him to give up the activities he so enjoyed as his health declined over the last couple of years. The family would like to thank everyone for all the concern and support they have provided during this time, it has meant a lot to the family and to him.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2009 at Chapel on the Hill , 12601 Park Blvd North in Seminole (727) 391-2919.
I will miss Leonard’s wit, his big laugh, his contagious smile, his pride in his kids, and his zest for life. He squeezed a lot out of his years on earth and brought a lot of joy to others. The Beachcomber will never be the same!
I am Uncle Len’s nephew and he was my mom’s big brother. She always treated him as such. I was fortunate to see him last June. We will miss him (and his corny jokes).
Dave and Marina
Uncle Bud was my mom’s (Margaret’s) brother. My memories are of Uncle Bud being kind and he and that he and my mother looked alike. My folks always spoke so kindly of him. To Aunt Helen and Lynne, Diane, and Len – I send my sympathies.
Uncle Leonard was my aunt’s (mother’s sister) husband and my memories of him go way back to childhood. He loved this little German immigrant girl and I loved his kind heart, laughter, and of course the ever present jokes. He was one of a kind and I will miss him.
My heart hurts for my dear sister and her family. I have known Leonard since my early days in Milwaukee and all of us had so many good times together. I will always remember him for his love for his family, his generosity and the jokes that were always there.
Lenny was one of the most respected men at the Beachcomber. He was sincere, humorous with his one liners, generous, kind to everyone. He has been missed by many at the Beachcomber as that is where we met him and shared stories with him for years. At Great Michigan representative. He has been and will be missed.
Diane, we were saddened by the passing of your father. May he rest in peace. We pray that the good Lord will give you and family peace, love and support. Love always and in our prayers.
Your Father is a wonderful man. He served his contry, raised and cared for a great family which we feel blessed to be a part of. And of course his Comedy had no equal. Going out to dinner with him is an experiance I’ll never forget. Love Carrie and Gary
Diane, we were saddened by the passing of your father. May he rest in peace. We pray that the good Lord will give you and family peace, love and support. Love always and in our prayers.
I’m glad to have been a member of the family and to have known Len. As has been said so often, he was a very generous man, and one who loved to have a good time. He enjoyed coming to our home for cook outs. He did always seem to have a particular problem with the mustard bottle though. He’ll be missed.