John Anton David Swanson

John Anton David Swanson passed away in his home on July 11, 2014. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Cheryl, son Kurt, daughter Joelle, son-in-law Brian, grandchildren Madison (17), Collin (13) and Jakob (11), sister Margaret and brother Richard. John, a Colorado native, was born in Denver on March 1, 1942. He graduated from Golden High School in Golden, Colorado, where he met his wife Cheryl. At Golden High, he achieved great athletic success, lettering in football, baseball and basketball. He also served as Senior Class President. His Golden High Demons football team played in the state championship his senior year and he was chosen to play in the All-Star game. He was named All-State, All-Conference and All-Metropolitan in football. John received a football scholarship to Colorado State University, where he played tight end and defensive end for four years. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1964. John married Cheryl, his high school sweetheart, in 1963. Their son Kurt was born in 1965, and daughter Joelle in 1968. The family set up residence in Lakewood, Colorado. John began his career at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1966, where he had a distinguished career coordinating federal disaster assistance to state and local governments for the benefit of natural disaster victims. At FEMA, he proved to be a well-loved and nationally-recognized leader, mentor and trainer. John provided leadership on over 50 Presidentially-declared disasters across the country and in the Caribbean, including several catastrophic disasters such as the Rapid City flash flood in 1972, Colorado's Big Thompson River flash flood in 1976, Hurricane Frederick in 1979 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989. John retired from FEMA in 1998 after 32 years of service. After his retirement, he consulted to the government. John, a lifetime athlete, was a passionate cyclist for over 30 years, competing in time trials, hill climbs and criterium road races. He was also an avid runner. In his later years, he enjoyed ice-fishing, whether on solo expeditions or with friends. He adored his beautiful home state of Colorado and never missed an opportunity to experience the outdoors. John, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, will be greatly missed. According to John's wishes, a cremation and private scattering of ashes will take place. Memorial contributions can be made to: American Heart Association/American Stroke Association PO Box 841125 Dallas, TX 75284-1125 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Giving/ForIndividuals/MemorialsandTributes/Memorials-and-Tributes_UCM_001141_SubHomePage.jsp Please share your memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.