Robert Frederick Sweigart
December 20, 1925 - October 11, 2010
Obituary
Robert F. Sweigart was born the youngest of three siblings on December 20, 1925 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He passed away peacefully on October 11, 2010 after a courageous struggle with bladder cancer. He was surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. It seemed appropriate that Dad passed away during the season he loved the most. He was deeply touched by the beauty of creation.
From birth, our dad embraced life with enthusiasm. Growing up in a small city near the farms of relatives, Dad found pleasure in the simple activities of family life: sledding atop his brother down Bloody Lane, selling magazines door-to-door; terrorizing neighbors with boyhood pranks, and visiting with his country cousins.
As many from the Greatest Generation, Dad felt a deep desire to serve his country during World War II. He graduated high school at the age of 17 and convinced his mother to sign an age waiver so he could join the United States Navy USN. She didn�t think Dad would pass the physical, but our nation needed men to fight�no matter how young.
Dad was a Petty Officer 3rd Class when he completed almost 3 years of active service on March 6, 1946. He served as a signalman on the USS Doran, a destroyer turned minesweeper. At the time the peace treaty was being signed with Japan, the crew of the USS Doran was off the coast of Japan trying to locate mines and defuse them. He instilled great patriotism in his children with 3 of them serving in the United States Air Force. His children grew up with stories of life spent on the ship and on shore leave. One of his shipmates became a surrogate big brother to Dad, and they remained close throughout his life. Another acquaintance he met while roller skating during shore leave in New York City became his wife of 61 years.
Our parents, Fran and Bob, were married on September 22, 1947 in Maryland. They made their home in State College, PA, where he was making use of the GI Bill by pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Wood Utilization at the Pennsylvania State University. It wasn�t long before our parents welcomed their first child, Robert, in November 1949. From that point on, children would be a constant presence in Dad�s life.
In 1950, Dad brought the family cross-country to start life in Seattle, WA. Dad was in graduate school at the University of Washington where he earned a Masters Degree in Forestry. Boeing was the company to secure our future, and Dad worked there for over 30 years as a change engineer on various programs including the Air Launched Cruise Missile ALCM and classified programs. As with all areas of his life, Dad remained a loyal friend to many of his colleagues. Even last year, he kept the annual tradition to meet at Christmas time to bowl and renew Boeing friendships.
Relationships were the heart of who our father was: his steadfast love for his wife; deep love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; great fondness for friends; and joy in the people he knew through community service. Dad never knew a stranger.
Children were very important to our Dad and brought him much joy. His children knew a father who was right there with them wrestling on the floor, sledding on the hills or playing any sport they took up. There are tales of a fun-loving grandpa who found money trees and who took grandchildren to museums and plays. Volunteering twice a week at Seahurst Elementary School was extremely important to Dad, as well as to his wife. They were awarded the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence Gold Star Award for service to the school community. What mattered even more to Dad were the lives changed by his work with children learning to use the English language in their studies.
The fun Dad had with people carried over into his great love of sports. At the age of 84, he bowled, played tennis and volleyball twice a week and added an occasional round of golf. On the weekend he rested, except when he was watching one of his grandchildren participate in a sport or activity. Bob was a great example of seeking adventure paragliding with his granddaughter at the age of 81. His other adventures included climbing to the summit of Mt Rainier, hiking in Europe, exploring various lands through the Elderhostel program, and taking numerous road trips around the United States.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Fran, and son, Rob. He is survived by his brother Roland; his sons Craig and Scott; his daughters Becky, Wendy, and Alison; his grandsons Craig Jr., Benjamin, Chris, and Joseph; his granddaughters Heidi, Tacinca, Rebecca, Jamie, Christine, Grace, Alisah and Theresa; great-granddaughters Emily, Edith, and Ruby; and great-grandson Xavier.
A celebration of life ceremony for Robert F. Sweigart will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday October 15th, at Boulevard Park Presbyterian Church, 1822 S. 128th Seatac, WA.
Ms. Tyna Ek, a family friend, will lead the ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Seahurst Elementary School English Language Learners ELL program. Send Seahurst ELL contributions to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence 245 SW 152nd Suite D Burien WA 98166. Please clearly designate the donation is for Seahurst ELL.
Craig – you and your family have my condolences for the loss of your father here on earth. His obituary is a wonderful testimony to him of his lasting legacy. May the memories of his active years comfort you.
We were privileged to meet this wonderful man – He was an great example of showing love to so many people. We wish to extend our sincerest sympathy to family members and friends.
We are sorry for your loss. Just thinking about him makes us smile. We always admired his smile, energy, and enthusiasm.
Love,
The Maugers
Dear Sweigart Family,
I was very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.I know my Mom and brother made it to the memorial service so I did hear about the not unexpected amount of love and support in that room. He and your Mom were always great friends to all of us, even stopping to meet me for lunch at Grand Central Terminal when they drove through NYC in 2007. They are both missed. Love, Becky
Short version – I worked with Bob in the early 60’s on the Minuteman Program. Kept score for the softball team he and other guys in the group played on. I moved to other programs and lost contact. My husband retired in 1995 and joined Bob’s senior softball team played ten years with him so I was reconnected with Bob. We joined Bob, Fran and some of the old gang to bowl during the Christmas holidays. Our condolences to Bob’s family.
Wendy – I’m so sorry for the passing of your dad, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To all the Sweigart Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Words feel inadequate at a time like this.
I met Bob through bowling about 12-14 years ago and became good friends through the years that followed. Bob has been an inspiration for me and my wife, always promoting enjoying life now, not down the road. Basically he told us do not leave any fun tickets in your life book. God did not say life would be easy just worth it.
Bruce & Nancy Rayl
We have lost a dear friend. You could always talk with Bob and know that he had heard you. He enjoyed life whether he was physically up or down. And he loved his sports, good jokes, and his family and friends. He is and will be missed by myself and many!
Wendy and family–am very sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed hearing about his ability to enjoy tennis, softball and other activities in his “later” years! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
How do I choose the appropriate words to express what this man meant to me? I was only 8 when I met him and his influance on me has lasted a lifetime and will continue to do so. I only hope that I can cram as much life into my years as he has done with his. But he just did not live every minute, he did it with love and laughter and grace and thoughtfulness. My first coach, he and Fran taught me team work and how to strive for the best I could be on the field. Countless weekends at their house showed me how a large group of people can interact and overcome the little thigns in light of the big picture. One of my foundest memories is when he let Wendy and Beth Strayer and me camp “alone” for the weekend. He would come back at night and sleep in the tent with us. Though the conversations we had evade me now, I remember talking with him a lot that weekend. He was a good man. A very good man.
My prayers and thoughts go out to Bob’s family. We played softball together for years and he was my Coach for several years. I considered him and Fran as friends.He was a wonderful man, and always believed in helping others as their volunteering at school showed. He just hit a homerun, and is no longer in pain. He will be missed bu many.
Wendy and Family –
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. Wendy, it was always fun to hear you talk about his athletics. It gave me a chance to compare notes to see how I could continue playing my sports. As you know, he stayed in the game longer than I did.
Kent and Sherri
Dear Wendy, Alison, and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. I have such fond memories of both him and your mom. Such nice kind people. That picture sure sums him up! You were all very blessed to have him as part of your lives. May all your wonderful memories provide the needed solace in the times ahead. You will be in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
Bob was a true gentleman and a friend. He will be truly missed. We were associated in sports and all manner of other activies.
You have my deepest condolences.
Dear Sweigart Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. What an incredible life he has enjoyed and shared with so many. His was such a strong, yet calming presence. You always felt “Welcomed” in their already crowed home! The more the merrier must have been “The Sweigart Mantra”! ^_^ He was so loved and I know he will be missed so much. I am thankful for the opportunity to have known such a wonderful man and his wonderful family for better than 40 years. May God’s Presence and His blessings be of great comfort to you all as you say “good-bye for now, Dad…see you later”. 😮 Love and prayers to all of you.
Craig, Scott, Becky, Wendy, and Alison,
Colleen and I are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your Dad. We know he will be missed by you and a great number of people. He was a wonderful man who loved his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grand kids. We always enjoyed hearing the stories of his adventures, travels, and activities. He had a great sense of humor. Be assured he is with your Mom and they are looking down on you with joyful smiles on their faces. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alison, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
JoAnne Williams Parkside
Scott, Becky, Alison and Wendy- Wanted to let you all know how sorry I was to see the news of your dad’s passing. He and your mom, all of you, were a big part of many happy high school memories. Seems like there were always a few Sweigarts in the mix..I know you will take care of eachother and honor his legacy.
Growing up, I always thought your father had one of the most beautiful smiles in the world! I’m very sorry for your loss.
Wendy and family,
So sorry for your loss. I was lucky to visit with Bob at Seahurst when I worked there. We talked about children and grandchildren and the Mariners. What a wonderful man, always has a smile. Sincerely, Linda Plenkovich
Wendy, Alison, Becky, Craig, Scott and the Rest of the Sweigart Clan,
I am so sorry for your loss! I have nothing but fond memories of both your parents. I remember the first time I met them in Oklahoma City. Your Dad was so full of energy and moving around so fast he didn’t see the glass screen door was closed . . . then Bam! . . . his head found the door. Frankly, it was a small miracle he didn’t walk right through it. It was years before I could keep up with his walking pace and some would say Wendy that I still couldn’t keep up. And the canoe trip down some eastern Oklahoma river where there was no doubt what you Dad’s name was because Fran must have said Bob 100 times as we traversed the river. LOL! I even found the snippy moments between them too cute for words. Both your parents are two of the most loving, caring, giving people I have ever met and I am a better person for knowing them. They are missed!
Bob was one of the first people I met when I began bowling in the Senior Leagues. Over the years we became fast friends, whether we were bowling together or as competitors. I shall miss him greatly.
Jack Gabler
Craig,Scott,Becky,Wendy and Alison
I am so sorry to hear about the passing od your dad. What a wonderful person he was. he always had that great smile when he greeted you.He and your Mom were 2 of the best friends you could ever have. I loved them dearly.
I can remmember when they moved into there new home on 22nd and thats when our great friendship began and all our wonderful memories started.
Harry,Mark and Jim Knauss also sends there condolences to all of you.
Love to all,
Dee & Mike White
Dear Wendy, Mom wanted to tell you she is thinking about you. We both send you our deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. Love, Nancy and LaRae
Dear Wendy and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a wonderful life he had and impressive legacy he leaves behind. He will continue to live in the hearts of his family and all the people who came into contact with him during his lifetime. May you find peace in your memories. Wendy and Bobbe
We only knew Bob for a few years, but we got to really know him through his brother, Roland. He was a wonderful man, and he had a wonderful life. Although he will be missed, heaven has a new angel.
Wendy & Family: Your Dad was truly one of a kind. He was an inspiration to everyone, you could just feel his energy. He and your Mom could be so funny, I still laugh remembering them over at the Bear’s Den. You had to have been there,,lol. I’ll always be grateful to them for taking Sandra under their wing and treating her like a daughter when she was so far from home. These two were angels just visiting earth. Y’all take care.
Dear Bob,
I will always cherish our friendship for over 60 years along with your wife, Fran. You were a man who had the courage of his own convictions, who loved his family dearly, who loved to travel, and who loved to sing the hymms at a church service sometimes harmonizing. Now the angels are there waiting for you to sing to them..
Rest well, my friend…
Dear Wendy and Family,
Your father was a wonderful man. He had such a love for life and he always showed it in everything he did. He loved meeting new people and talking to them as if he knew them for years, this is how your dad made me feel when I first met him and where else but on a softball field of course. He was such a positive person always finding the good and willing to lend a hand. Both your dad and your mom will be greatly missed but now they will be together again.