Ronald Albert Swaab
May 28, 1958 - August 1, 2009
Obituary
Ronald Albert ‘Oppie’ SWAAB
51, Born May 28, 1958 in Haarlem, The Netherlands. Died August 1, 2009 in Burien.. Survived by his wife Claudia; sons Peter, Brandon and Jason; step-children Rebecca Welliver and Matthew Smith. father Philippe Swaab, Sr.; sisters Marianne and husband Walt and Stella and husband Delton; brothers Bernhard, Philippe and wife Cindi, Peter and Kristy, Benjamin and wife Ana and his twin brother Robert ‘Dick’ and wife Shelley; Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his mother Johanna W. Swaab on December 14, 2006. Graduate of Highline High School class of 1977. Employee of Alaska Airlines for 23 years. Employed at TTF Aerospace until his death. Oppie was a loving father and was very active in his children’s lives and activities. He loved his family and his sense of humor warm smile will never be forgotten. Memorial Service 2:00PM, Saturday, August 8, 2009 at John Knox Presbyterian Church 109 S.W. Rd, Normandy Park. In honor of Oppie’s life, Highline High School class of 1977 has set up the ‘Ronald Swaab Memorial Fund’ for his children. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made at any Sterling Bank.
Ron you will be misses may God comfort your family in this hard time God Bless Tim DuBos.
My Dad was the best Dad in the World.
I LOVE YOU DAD.
Love, Jason Swaab
O pen hearted
P ersonality
P rankster
I rresistable
E nergetic
That is only a few of the many words I have to describe “Oppie”. I was in shock and saddened by the unexpected loss. I have very fond memories of Oppie back in our Jr. High and High School days. The last time I saw Oppie was a couple years ago at Azteca in Burien. He was having dinner with his wife and children. He still looked the same and had that “grin”, he seemed very happy and content.
Hey, Oppie when you reach your destination please say “Hi, Mrs. Bunch” mom for me.
Our love, thoughts and prayers to the whole “Oppie” family. He will truly be missed, not forgottened.
God bless,
Janet, Sue, Keith, Bill Bunch and family
We are so sorry to hear of your loss, and keep you all in our prayers. He will be missed.
I had the enormous pleasure of working with Oppie back in 1978 when we worked for Del Bonds at BIC. Among other things, Oppie drove flew the delivery truck and kept the rest of us employees in stitches most of the time. One of the most exciting and terrifying things I ever did was ride in the van with Oppie Barney Oldfield Swaab. He was playful, impish and always ready to embrace whatever life had next in store for him. He was a product of a loving and close family, and it helped mold him into a loving and caring person. I haven’t seen Oppie in years, but I never forgot him because he was such fun. He will forever shine brightly in my memory, and there will always be a warm spot here on earth where Oppie dwelt. Yes, he was taken away too soon, but all those who knew and loved him are enriched forever. And Oppie, now I am finally going to tell our secret to the world. Yes, I did write the dang book report!!!
Claudia,
Such a great loss to you and your family and to our Normandy Park community.Oppie was a Good man and as you and I spoke, there are truly very few Good men. Oppie’s warm and loving personality always brought a smile to your heart. As I expressed to you, Oppie and I shared a moment at QFC that will always stick with me. Not only did he take time to lift my spirit and speak such kind words but he went further and shared personally his thoughts on finding his true love in life, you… The gleam in his eye said it all… The world just got a little less brighter without this very Good Man. With prayers for you all… Love, Gloriana
To the entire Swaab family,
It seems like yesterday that were young and free on summer break at Twana Falls.
Bomb fires, marshmallows, clam digging, boating….
Fond memories linger in our hearts and minds, words cannot express the loss we feel.
Our deepest compassion,
Sincerely,
Carm, Ric, Teri and Doni Schnabel
To the wonderful Swaab Family,
It brought such comfort being close to you all yesterday, the hardest day of my life. You all have always shared the greatest love for one another. Family is everything and the Swaab’s follow that to the fullest. Thank you Claudia and all the Swaab’s for being so generous and wonderful to my boys’ as they struggle through this difficult time. I hope I too can be of comfort to you all as we mourn the loss of a wonderful man.
Love, Vivian
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Swaab family. We were shocked to learn of his passing. He always greeted us with his contagious smile when he came into the deli to get his Dutch treats. We remember the many Christmas orders we would fill and making sure it went to the right “Swaab”. What a wonderful and loving family they are. Oppie will truly be missed at Hans’ Sausage & Deli.
Hans & Marianne Stewin
SusiStewinBlauert
and staff.
Dear Pim and Family,
Our deepest sympathy with the loss of your son,husband, father, brother and friend. We shall remember him in our prayers. We wish you strength during these difficult times and hope that the beautiful memories of him will get you through the tough times.
We want to express our deepest
sympathy to all of the family of
Oppie. May you be comforted by the
prayers of those who called Oppie
“a friend”. We always delighted in running into Oppie at QFC, having a chat with him and getting an update on the family and how
everyone was doing.
We valued his “friendship” and
honor his “memory”.
Sincerely,
Don & Charlene Baucom
Our memories of Oppie are many, and we will cherish them and share them with his wonderful sons. We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious husband, brother, father, son, and loyal friend. We wish you peace and much love during this difficult time. Oppie, thank you for taking such good care of Mikey, Peter, Brandon and Jason. We know they meant the world to you, and you showed them that each and every day. God Bless you all.
To read of Opie’s passing was such a horrible thing. I have been friends with sisters Maryanne and Stella, together with brother Bernie for so many years. I remember Opie and Dickie as just the most wonderful kids! Father and Mother Swaab did such a great job in raising all of their kids. It is hard to believe that Opie has left us; my heart is breaking for all the remaining Swaab family. My most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Such a grievous time. I am so sorry. With love and prayers I remain your forever friend, Joanne Parsons Cruz.
I was truly saddened to hear of Oppie’s sudden death, and wish to send my thoughts and prayers to his family…
I will always remember his ‘full-of-it’ smile and quick wit, not to mention his marvelous sense of humor! I doubt I will ever be able to think of Oppie without grinning…
May all of you take care of yourselves during this difficult time, and know that Oppie was well loved and will be well missed…
Thinking of all of you,
‘Debbie Doell’
now, Deborah Brown
Claudia, and family, it was a beautiful service today. How many, many people love Oppie and were there to show it. Jim and I were so touched by the many beautiful words that were shared, especially by his sons. What a special family you have. We were unable to stay for the reception, but I wanted to tell you that the service was so sweet. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days and months. Please call me anytime and for any reason. With love, Claudia’s cousin, Peggy
His charm was endless; his smile warmed any day; his friendship we cherished.
Nancy and Rick Barnhart
My sincerest condolences to the Swaab family for your loss of “Oppie”. He will be remembered and I’m thankful I had the opportunity of knowing him. I met the Swaab family thorough my ex-husband Bill Thompson who knew the family very well for many years. I know Bill would also want me to pass on his condolences for Oppie since he can’t do it himself. Your family is in our prayers.
Dear Swaab family,
Our deepest sympathy with the loss of Oppie.With our lives crossing in Burien and at See-Tac, we did know Oppie as a very positive and cheerfull person. I had many pleasant contacts with him working at Alaska Airlines. He will be greatly missed by all the people who knew him.
Our thoughts are with his family.
“Rust in vrede”.
Dear Swaab Family, Friends & All Who Knew and Loved Oppie;
I know words cannot completely ease your pain; but it is human nature & in our hearts to send love & condolences for your tremendous loss. We had the pleasure of living next door to Oppie for a few years…we feel lucky to have know & experienced his zest for life. He always had a cheery hello & a bright smile. We wil remember him as a caring person w/a great sense of humor & a very loving and attentive father. Our thought & prayer go out to his wife & boys….
The Hoffmater’s; Barry, Kim, Larry Dorie & Rebecca
So sorry to hear about Oppie. I’ve known the Swaabs almost all my life . I went to school with Peter , and I remember all the Swaabs were great people. Phil and Bernie were always good to us younger kids.I first met Oppie and Dickie in 1964 , as we all played together and rode bikes and hung around Dick Roger’s chevron station in seahurst. We flew kites at Lake Burien elementary, and walked all the way to “Gov Mart” now Fred Meyerto buy kite string. Oppie and Dickie were fun, had a great sense of humor – and fast runners too!!!!! It’s funny the things I remember 44 years later. They really were the “good” twins of our neighborhood the bad twins lived down 152nd!!!!!!!!!!!!My deepest condolences go out to this wonderful family and I will keep them in my prayers. Oppie will be truly missed , and always remembered by me to be a nice guy , a good friend , and a cool dude. Thanks , Andy Hooper
July 5, you were still with us oppie
My grandmother has told me that you in the hospital because uncle pim had to call Grandma.
The whole holiday, I thought how will the oppie go? will it ever be okay?
Now you away, away from everyone.
Fortunately I have pictures of you with me and my brother Jason. ”
you said more, next year I’ll be with my children: Jason, Brandon and Peter to holland.
I miss you very much and think of you.
Stella and Claudia told us how you went. I thought it was so fun when you were here. We have many hot-air and lots of laughing.
I miss you oppie.
All very much strength there <3
Jasen and Brandon and Peter: I hope I can see you next year. then I learn you Netherlands haha:
You had a great father.
and I had a good cousin.
I will never forget
He is in my heart <3 <3 <3 <3
the daughter of your niece Liane
From The Netherlands
xoxoxMelanie
Oppie our favorite cousin, 5 July you were still with us in the Netherlands, so much fun and laugh together, talk about your super sons, what are you proud of these boys, Peter, Brandon and Jason!
You said to me how happy you was with your dear Claudia.
Until next year, we said to each other, never thinking that this does not happen, but you always live now in our hearts. Never will we forget you sweetheart!
we love you so much. Aunt Ellen is very happy that she still was able to hug you, because you keep her favorite cousin Oppie!
We are so sad for our dear Oppie to miss him so soon and so sad for our whole family.
A lot of strength all in this difficult time from us. We are there for you always,
We love you so much
Aunt Ellen, Jos, Liane, Jason and Melanie
Claudia, again we send our deepest sympathy to you and Opie’s boys.
All our love,
Caroline and John
We will miss Oppie greeting us with, “Well, how’s my ‘best man’ today?” This stems from having attended Oppie and Claudia’s wedding in Las Vegas, where they had previously planned to have the wedding take place in WA. Oppie asked if Howard would be his ‘best man’, and Claudia asked if I would be her ‘Maid of Honor’…WOULD WE? YOU BET!
After meeting Oppie…and getting to know him…he walked right ‘into our hearts’ and has remained there ever since.
It has been difficult to live this far from Claudia at this special time in her life, and to have health issues that prevent our being with her and each of you Saturday.
We pray you recognize the great JOY it has been to have called Oppie ‘ours’.
Thanks for ‘sharing him’ with our family.
With sympathy, respect and warm regards.
May God Bless each of you
We Craguns, Howard and Ruth
Dear Claudia, Peter, Brandon and Jason,
My heart fell when I heard of Opie’s heart attack. And it fell even harder when I heard he’d lost the battle in the hospital. Opie was a good man, a good father and a good husband. He cared about those around him. He was always there for ya when you needed him. Always willing to lend a hand or help out. I never saw him when he was not in good cheer. He always seemed to be happy and glad to see you.
I will miss you Opie. Thank you for taking care of my sister, loving her and making her happy. Thank you for being a great Dad. They are nice young men that anyone can be proud of.
I am glad I will get to see you again someday. I look forward to our next meeting and talking of old times. Take care and rest comfortably in Gods arms.
Love You,
Curt Cragun – Curty
Claudia, Peter, Brandon, Jason, our prayers are with you all. Jim and I will always rememeber Oppie and each time we think of him we smile. His love for his family, his kind heart and tender spirit will always be remembered. The way he always asked how eveyrone was doing, the way he took interest in our wellbeing. Please know we are here for you all, we love you and you are all are in our hearts!
Although I didn’t have much of a chance to really get to know Oppie after marrying Curt last year, I am warmed by the memory of how he went out of his way to make me feel welcome in your home and as a new member of his extended family. I’m so sad he has left us at such a young age, and my hope for everyone he left behind is that you are as warmed by the memories you have of him as I am. Peace to you.
There are very few people you meet in your life that you can truly say worry more about others then themselves. Oppie was clearly one. He always seemed to make no judgment of others and to be able to consider all people in life his equal. The world would be a much better place if we all had his outlook on life. He always seemed willing to help others with no concern for the cost to himself. We should remember he has not been lost if we carry his love and grace with us as we travel down the road of this life until we meet with him again. With my greatest respect…
One of the few people that I have met in my life and wished we had more of his kind of spirit!
Although I didn’t personally know Oppie, my father was in ICU at the same time and I had a chance to speak with Oppie’s father on several occasions. It wasn’t until the day after my father passed away, that I realized Oppie’s name was familiar to me. I had attended Glacier H.S. and have friends who attended Highline H.S. I was saddened to hear that he had passed away. He was surrounded by so much love at the hospital. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Cousin Claudia, I want you to know how saddened I have been for you in the loss of your beloved Oppie.
You are still in my prayers,
Nancy
There might have been times when we didn’t get along, but we always worked it out. You made the day when you brought us the things we needed to work. You will be missed dearly by us.
Paris
I am so sorry for your loss. Oppie and my husband, Scot Sanborn went to school together and are the same age. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’ve known Ron ever since I started in Alaska Mx.
His warm smile always greeted me. I met his mom & dad when I lived at The Duke.
What a Great Family !
Dear Dick, Stella and entire family, I’m so sorry for your loss, Oppie will always be remebered in my prayers and thoughts.
Sincerely,
Chris Van Ackeren
541 913-0950
I was very sad to hear of Oppie’s death – way too soon for a beautiful life to end. My thoughts are with the entire Swaab family and wish them strength to carry through a sad and difficult time. I have fond memories of Oppie from the many family camping trips during our younger years. Much love to all, Bea Hoolboom.
On behalf of my dad, Thurmon Keller, former Principal of Seahurst Junior High, and myself, our thoughts are with the entire Swaab family during this difficult time.
I am still in aaww. I am so sorry for your family. You always brightened our day when you came in. I was looking forward to hearing about your trip home. You had better save that story till we meet again. ~ankle biter
X______________________
On behalf of the Hughes family, our deepest sympathy to the entire Swaab family in the loss of Oppie. We all have very fond memories of the time that your family lived nearby on Maplewild….memories of a wonferful loving family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you cope with your loss.
Sincerely,
Cathy Hughes Low and The Hughes Family
Dear Oppie….
You were taken from us way too soon.
The old days of Highline High are long since past, but those memories will live on in all of us that knew you and we will smile when we remember those days that we were blessed with your company.
Dear Family and Friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers….
Hank & I send our deepest sympathy to Claudia, the boys and the whole wonderful Swaab family. Please know we are thinking of you and send our prayers for understanding the why and for peace that all the wonderful memories you have will help ease the burden of you sorrow. Much Love & God Bless you all.
To the Swaab family,
I went to school at Highline with Oppie and Dickie. They were always with Eric, always down the halls of school when they would walk by they would say Hey Springer and I would say Hey back. That was back in 76. Forward about 20 years at the car show they used to have where the Burger King is now. They walked by me and I hear Hey Springer and I say Hey back. I walked away and thought about that, Seems wierd that time has passed so fast, I felt I was back in high school. I send my condolences to the family as I have also just lost my dad and it is hard. I have lots of wonderful memories that put a smile on my face. I wish all the family the best.
Our sincerest condolences to the Swaab family for the loss of “Oppie”. We will remember him with fondness and are thankful we had the privilege of knowing him. Your family is in our prayers. Sandy and Joyce Kuznetz
Oppie – Memories are what keep us smiling! Here’s mine: First meeting Stella and younger brothers at Alston’s around 1961 or so?
– Oppie crashing his bike in front of Carey’s; Pauline taking him to Dr. Gallant’s office then calling Mrs. Swaab at the bank!! He never forgot that accident!
-Dick Roger’s Chevron and Steve Carey letting the little twins drive cars in the “bay”!
– Always, that wonderful shining smile and bright “Hi there Sally!”
-Stopping by to say “Hi” to Pauline even though she didn’t know which “Twin” had stopped by!
-Later years never hesitating to ask how my Mom was doing when we would meet.
-A gentle soul born into a wonderful, loving, caring family. We will all miss you Oppie until we meet again! Our sincere condolences to the Swaab family.
Sally Carey Newton and the Carey Family
My prayers go out to all of you. I Grew up with all of you in Seahurst & also worked with Ron at Alaska Airlines. He was one of the first people I saw on my first day at the airlines. He was alot of fun. He will be missed.
GOD BLESS
Wendy Bosson Asuncion
Our dear friend ‘Oppie’ will always be remembered for his kind & friendly ways, his love for his family, and his love of life. Our many wonderful ‘Dutch-Clan’ family camping trips growing up together were often highlighted by the antics of the twins Oppie & Dickie running around, causing mischief, and making us all laugh. Oppie’s kind & gentle spirit will be in our hearts and thoughts forever more.
Bruno Hoolboom on behalf of the entire Hoolboom family.
Please know that Julie and I are thinking of all of you. We know that words can’t fill the empty space, but the love of family can see you through until such time as the memories of his laugh, the twinkle of his eye outweigh the sorrow of the day.
God Bless you all.
Phil and Julie Hageman
Our hearts go out to his family. Ron was a super guy that always brought his smile and generous good nature to share with all of us at TTF aerospace each and every day. Ron went out of his way to make sure the people around him were always taken care of. He had a gift for reading people’s emotions and never wanted anyone in his realm to want for anything. He was the type of guy that instantly bonded with those around him. He made sure he knew each and every one of us on a first name basis. I cannot say enough good things about Ron. He will be missed.
The Ron I knew was always concerned with the welfare of others, genuinely caring about how you were on Monday morning. His empathy for others was clear to those who took the time to notice the kind tone of his voice was backed by the expression on his face and the look in his eyes.
He always wanted to be busy, so much so we began to think all of the extra little things he started doing for us every day were actually part of his job. We all know they weren’t; he was just so willing to do them we never thought any more about it.
I will miss Ron. I sincerely regret I didn’t know him longer. He absolutely cared about people; he was like the PR guy for good cheer because he was always looking to spread it. There are not enough Ron’s in the world, and I think it would do us all good to aspire to be more like him.
I am so very sadden to hear of Oppie’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to all in the family.
Take care,
DJ Brooks