Edwin Herbert Swanson

Edwin Herbert Swanson, 89, passed away peacefully in Green Valley, Arizona. On May 3, 2017 services will commence with a Rosary recital at Most Holy Nativity Catholic Church in Rio Rico at 9:30 a.m. and a Celebration to follow at 10:00 a.m. A Military Honor Guard Service will be conducted at the Rio Rico Community Center after Mass for the dedication and sacrifice Ed Swanson provided to Our Great Nation. A reception at the Center will immediately follow. Lunch, drinks, and Ed's favorite desserts will be served, along with a short presentation by the family. All of Ed and Fran's friends are welcome. Ed was born in Los Angeles California in 1927 to Edwin and Blanche Swanson, a Los Angeles Police Officer and a clerk typist turned homemaker. He had only one sibling, his younger brother Donald, who survives him. Ed was raised in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles, a stone's throw north of the LA civic center. His father was assigned to the LAPD Highland Park Division and the family home was located directly behind the station. As a child, Ed would watch his father go to work by climbing a ladder in the backyard and then dropping down into the parking lot of the police station. At times, He would climb the ladder himself and peek over the wall as the officers of the Watch formed ranks for roll call. Ed and his brother "Donnie" were raised during the Great Depression and times were difficult for all. His father had to take a 25% cut in pay but kept his job, thus, they fared better than many. The family supplemented the income by raising rabbits and selling them for food, as well as the pelts. His father also put more meat on the table by occasionally harvesting a deer. It's hard to imagine now but LA used to be a sleepy little burgh. One didn't have to drive too far out of town to be in the foothills and chaparral. In those days the police carried 30-30 carbines in their cars. On occasion, dad's police car would back into the driveway and unload a deer to be hung in the garage. As a young teen, Ed became very involved with the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He later became involved with the Sea Scouts and his high school ROTC. He had just started attending Franklin High School when Pearl Harbor was attacked and the U.S. entered the Second World War. Like so many men and women from the "Greatest Generation" Ed was "Chomping at the Bit" to get through school and join in the fight. In January of 1945 he completed his classes, took an early graduation, and at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy. After completing basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois he was assigned to the Asiatic Pacific and put on a transport ship to take him, and many other young men, towards Japan, in anticipation of the invasion of mainland Japan. This brought about his first brush with death. After crossing the Pacific and entering the Pacific Theatre, his ship (APA 45) was struck by a Japanese kamikaze plane. 75 enlisted men and 3 officers were killed before reaching the fight. Ed and the other survivors were transferred to another transport to finish the cruise. Upon reaching the Philippine Islands he was assigned to the USS LAYSAN ISLAND (ARST-1) as a coxswain. The Laysan Island was a Landing craft, preparing for the invasion. Fortunately, Japan surrendered unconditionally and the much dreaded landing was averted. The second great war was over for Ed, but not his military service. The USS Laysan Island was converted to a Salvage Craft Tender and began the task of clearing the war wreckage from the harbors of the Philippines. Ed also began his education in other areas of adulthood. Being 17 years old, he and the few other underage sailors, did not receive the weekly ration of beer and cigarettes, getting soda pop and candy instead. Of course these items were quickly traded for more interesting rations. He learned that he didn't like smoking or hangovers. He sheepishly admitted that he and some others stole some liquor from the Captains quarters and got gloriously drunk. He went to Manila and got a tattoo on his forearm, a rose with "MOTHER' written across the bottom. In 1946 Ed returned to the States and in August he was honorably discharged from active duty. Upon returning home he went to work in construction, a job arranged by his father. His father was friends with a contractor whose own son had recently returned from service in the war and was having trouble adjusting. It was felt that Ed, a fellow war veteran, could help him get centered and re-join society. In this, the plan was successful. He worked in construction for a couple of years, becoming a journeyman carpenter. At some point he became disenchanted with the career choice and decided to go back to work for Newberry Department Stores, a large chain at the time. He had worked there as a stock clerk during high school and felt that he had a good chance for advancement with the company. This turned out to be the most fortuitous decision of his life. After working at the Highland Park Newberry's for several months, Ed was offered an Assistant manager position, with promises of advancement, upon proof of performance. The only caveat, the opening was in Nogales, Arizona. "Where the heck is Nogales Arizona!?" Answer: Go to Tucson, take the Nogales highway south. When you hit a fence, that's Mexico. Look to your left. The Newberry Store is right there. Ed went to work for a "consistently and permanently soused" (his words) manager and Ed essentially ran the store. He was surrounded by pretty young store clerks but was immediately smitten by one in particular. A, pretty but shy, 19 year old named Francisca Valenzuela, and all the better, she seemed to be interested in him! He decided to ask her out on a date, and despite the warning from her mother "He's a sailor. He has a tattoo!" Francisca agreed. Three heavily chaperoned dates later, to the shock of many, they announced that they wanted to get married. To the greater shock of many, her parents gave their blessing. The wedding was set for May 5th, 1950, but when Ed said that he would have to go to LA beforehand and return for the wedding, Frances said "No Way Mister" and the date was quickly moved up, despite the fact that the invitations had already been mailed. On April 24th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nogales, they became the newest Mr. and Mrs. Swanson and departed for Los Angeles. L.A. might as well have been another country to the quiet and shy Frances. A 4'11", 95 pound, Mexican-American teenage girl from the Patagonia Mountains. She was going to live with her husbands family, people that she had never met nor spoken to. She need not have worried. She was immediately welcomed to the family and settled into married life. In 1952, Ed and Fran scraped up enough money to buy their first home in Whittier CA, a newly developing community amidst the orange and avocado groves of east LA county. They would remain in that home until retirement and their move back to Arizona in 1982. This is as good of a place as any to mention a peculiarity of Ed's. He did not possess an ounce of vanity, or fashion sense. Hygiene absolutely yes. Vanity absolutely no. He was dependent on Francis to buy, pick out, and match his clothes. On one occasion, Ed escaped the house to work without her notice. It wasn't until the afternoon that Ed noticed that he was wearing one brown shoe and one black shoe. Oh well. They're equally comfortable. Buy a new suit from Brooks brothers, now that your a Department executive? Upgrade the family car now that you can well afford it? Why? The suits from Sears and Penney's are just fine and the 20 year old Ford is running great. Ed went to work for the LA County Road Department, building roadways through the Angeles Forest. While leading a work crew of jail inmates he spoke with the deputy sheriff's assigned to watch the prisoners from the work camps. He realized that the deputies made 30 dollars a month more than him while doing a fraction of the labor. While he had not really considered following his father's footsteps into law enforcement, the idea began to appeal to him. He decided that he would test for the Sheriff's Department, at the same time testing for the Road Department Supervisor position. He would take wherever he was accepted first. The letter of acceptance to the Sheriff's Dept. came just a couple days before the letter of promotion at the Road Dept. While Ed went to work for LASD, Frances went to work for the telephone company as a bilingual operator. Ed first worked in the Custody Division at the Hall of Justice Jail, then the Transportation Division, moving inmates around the jail facilities and courts. By 1954 he was working Patrol Division at Norwalk Station, not far from home. In 1956 Ed had his second brush with death. In the foggy, early morning hours of April 21st, while patrolling the City of Artesia, Ed and his partner stopped a suspected drunk driver. When the driver fled on foot Ed gave chase. The suspect stopped and began shooting, striking Ed in his right arm. Taking his revolver in his left hand, Ed returned fire, striking the suspect 3 times. The suspect did not go down and escaped. A short time later he was killed in a second gunfight with the Highway Patrol. Companions of the suspect admitted that they were looking for an open liquor store to rob when they were stopped, weaving down the road so they could see both sides in the fog. In a time when Workman's Comp. ranged from non-existent to minimal, Ed was back to work a couple of days after his release from the hospital, working the complaint desk, trying to teach himself how to write with his left hand until his right arm healed. During this time Ed and Fran started their own family. Christine Marie was born in January 1956 and Lawrence Edwin was born in April 1958. The neighborhood in Whittier where they made their home was ideal. Mostly couples of their own age with young families. World War II vets and their spouses, raising and spoiling their kids in a manner they themselves had never known. Lifelong friendships were formed by the adults and children alike. Ed's father passed away in 1958, just 6 months after his retirement from the LAPD. Ed's Mother followed him in 1976. Ed rose through the ranks of the Sheriff's Dept. quickly, while Fran stayed at home to run the household. As he promoted he worked various patrol and investigative assignments throughout the County. In 1968, Ed now a Captain, was given command of the unit that he is best remembered for, and the one he was most proud of, the Special Enforcement Bureau, or SEB. Ed was the first Captain of this newly formed Bureau. The late sixties and early seventies were a time of great social unrest and civil disobedience. Anti war protests were at their peak, college campuses were staging violent protests, the Black Panthers and Brown Berets were at full stride. In many parts of Los Angeles County there was a siege mentality. SEB was formed by combining two smaller units, the Special Enforcement Detail and The Emergency Services Detail, two seemingly very different units with very different missions. The Sheriff wanted a large response force to address the riots. He also wanted them to start training as a SWAT Team. Special Weapons and Tactics, (SWAT) was a brand new concept to law enforcement. Working closely with Military units Ed and his trusted staff took the first steps to address this need. Today, SEB is an elite unit with one of the premiere SWAT Teams in the country. Ed spoke often about his command and staff. He had the most amazing collection of lieutenants and sergeants working with him. The deputies assigned to him were "the cream of the crop". He spoke of many of them with absolute awe. During his time there, the traditions and work ethic of the Special Enforcement Bureau were formed. They were set in concrete and those traditions are still seen there today. Ed's son became a deputy sheriff and spent 18 years of his career at SEB. One of Ed's grandsons is a deputy Sheriff and is currently assigned to SEB. Ed promoted one more time, to the rank of Inspector. The title of the rank has since been changed to Commander. As the kids grew and became independent, Fran went back to work, this time as a bilingual teacher's aide, helping Spanish speaking grade school children learn English and understand their lessons. Fran eventually ran her own classroom, something that made Ed extremely proud. He spoke of it often and mentioned it to his son, as recently as a couple of weeks ago. As an Inspector, Ed oversaw the commands of such units as the homicide and narcotics bureaus. His last assignment was to the Technical Services Division where he oversaw such commands as the Sheriff's Crime Lab and related units. In March of 1982, Ed and Fran retired and returned to Arizona to begin the next half of their life together. Having bought several acres of land in the just developing Rio Rico, Ed and Fran walked their property, marking the proposed layout of their dream house. Fran designed and drew up plans for the home and worked with the architect. This was another thing that Ed was extremely proud of and mentioned it often. Fran designed this home. As the house was being built, Ed and Fran did as much of the work as possible themselves, and supervised closely everything they could not. Both of them worked long, hard hours, working side by side. Ed's background in construction and Fran's sharp mind served them well, as well as the strength in their arms and backs. If you look at this beautiful home today, you will see an amazing amount of concrete and rock work. The long driveway, the border walls, the flower beds, etc. were all completed by them. Just the two of them. Ed did the finish work while Fran mixed concrete and helped carry and pour it. Countless trips were taken in their old pick up truck, "Big Red", to pick up and load river rock from Josephine and Peck canyons. In the living room is a large and beautiful fireplace, taking up one corner, from floor to vaulted ceiling. All the red rock in this masterpiece is rock that came from a mine that Fran's father worked, deep in the Patagonia Mountains. Ed and Fran chose every rock, hauled it home, and put it in its place. During the construction of this house, Ed and Fran lived in a ridiculously small trailer that was parked on the property. It's hard to imagine one person living in that trailer for any length of time, much less two. Ed saw it as a "honeymoon vacation" and "enjoyed every minute". It was a honeymoon that lasted two years. Moving back to Santa Cruz County put Ed and Fran close to her family again. They could spend precious time with Fran's mother Maria. Sister Luz and her husband Joe became regular companions. Sister Josie and husband Vern were not too far away in Phoenix and visits became frequent. The couple now had a large home, surrounded by plenty of wide open space, perfect for providing a vacation stop for their own growing family. By this time Chris and Larry were married with families of their own. Grandkids Maria, Joseph, Larry Jr., John Paul and Allison looked forward to their trips to the "Rancho Una Vaca" and visited often, despite the distance. Their nephew Bill and wife Amanda bought a home close by, visiting frequently with their kids Johanna and Billy. Before long, their niece Diana and her husband "Richie" moved to Rio Rico. Nephews Alfred and Ron also came south to visit when they could. The family parties grew and grew and Una Vaca was often the center of the action. The wonderful family memories that were made there, are beyond counting. At work Ed was a man always on the move. Always busy with some project. That did not change with retirement. His nickname at work (besides "Swany") was 'Triple Carb', as in a three barrel carburetor. Joe and Luz christened him "Churea", Spanish for roadrunner. Ed and Fran quickly became involved in the community. Ed served on the Tubac Fire District board of directors. Both became involved with the Rio Rico Property Owners Association. With friends Mary and Ernie Ball, they opened a craft store in nearby Tubac and kept it for a couple of years. And then there was the church. Both Ed and Fran became deeply involved with the small Catholic Community. There was no church in Rio Rico at that time. The faithful gathered wherever they could, sometimes in a store by Garret's Market, sometimes in the old Rio Rico horse stables. Under the direction of a retired priest, Monsignor Griffin, the Swansons, and like minded couples, began the process of building a church. There was much work to do. Fundraising, finding and buying property, blue prints, construction, etc., all under the very watchful eye of the Tucson Diocese. Anything of this magnitude takes strong personalties with unselfish hearts to keep things moving forward. Fortunately, the right people were present. The original "Stable Mates" consisted mostly of retirees who made Rio Rico their home after lifetimes spent in other parts of the country. Despite their differences in both background and culture, in their core, they were very much the same. They were men and women who lived through the depression and saw the country through war. They believed in the greater good, putting the needs of the community before their own. They had a strong work ethic and knew how to work together. Through their tremendous effort, the Most Holy Nativity Catholic Church was established, a fitting name, based on its roots in a horse stable. The building that now serves as the church was intended to be temporary until a larger church could be built as the community grew. The current building is intended to be a multi-purpose building, to serve the various ministries and groups of the church. The Church is now in the same process of fundraising for building the next church. Ed had hoped to see the new church built, or at least started. He often spoke about it, and the new building committee kept him informed on progress. Just days before his passing he was discussing the church with his son and daughter in law. He wished that he could have lived long enough to see it complete, but he was pleased that they are close to breaking ground. Now, the funniest thing about Ed and the Church is that in the beginning, he wasn't even Catholic. He no doubt first became involved for the sake of his Catholic wife, and he liked the people that he associated with on the building committee. It is not known how many of his fellow parishioners knew that fact at the time, but Monsignor Griffin did. Monsignor didn't care. He was a Korean War veteran who was wounded severely while serving his men's needs as chaplain. He and Ed liked and understood each other. They were cut from the same wood. Ed was a smart, hardworking man, of high moral character, who was willing to give much of himself and ask nothing in return. Other religious details could wait. Monsignor would work on that later. Serving on various church committees and projects, serving as Lector during Mass, it was all okay. Ed did eventually receive his formal religious training several years later. He received all his sacraments. His sponsor was Fran's aunt, the same aunt that chaperoned Ed and Fran during their three dates before their marriage. Appropriate for both of these duties, Fran's aunt, Sister Mary Lucinda, is a nun of the Carondelet order. Good job Sister Mary. As the years passed, Ed's family and friends did too. They lost both of Fran's sisters, Josie and Luz, as well as their husbands, Vern and Joe. Their much beloved Daughter-in-law Paula also passed on before her time. The times they enjoyed together were now precious memories. Ed would occasionally speak wistfully about the loved ones he had lost but he didn't dwell on it. The next generations of his family had inherited the world. New members were being being born. Grandkids who ran around in diapers at the Una Vaca, were now married and starting families of their own. They would now accomplish great things of their own accord, or perhaps tilt at windmills. It was their choice, and their world, and he did not judge. He only loved. He did not offer unasked for advice, nor admonishment. He watched with great interest and more than a little pride. Ed and Fran's legacy was secure. Mission accomplished. First, Christine moved back to Arizona to be close to them, along with Allison and her kids. Larry retired and bought a home with his new wife, Lizbeth, just a few miles away from Una Vaca. The timing was perfect. Ed had always enjoyed the Blessing of good health, in body and mind. Even as his physical health declined late in his life, his mind remained sharp. His body that had served him so well was failing him and making daily tasks difficult. He took it all in stride. He never complained about it, never even admitting pain. He pushed himself to do the best he could every day and accepted things as they were. Life was not fair or unfair. there is just life. This attitude may very well have bought him a couple more years that he otherwise would not have had. His family is grateful for his perseverance. He continued to be a stellar example of human strength and willpower to the very end. Just 24 hours before his death, Larry heard him saying to himself "Okay. Okay. Up and at 'em". No Pop. No up and at 'em today, okay? lets just rest today. Fran now suffered from her own health issues. As the Alzheimer's progressed and began to rob her of her short term memory, it was getting harder and harder for Ed to help her with daily tasks. Ed had to swallow his pride a little and allow his children to help them. It became necessary for Ed and Fran to leave their home of 33 years and move in with Larry and Lizzy. Unfortunately, this only lasted about 6 months. Both began requiring full time assistance and health care, but for very different health problems. In May 2016 Ed made the difficult decision to move to an assisted living facility with a memory care center and staff. They would live at the same address, but for the first time in 66 years, they would occupy separate rooms. The family continued to assist them on almost a daily basis. Their niece Diane, Who was like a second daughter, took primary control of making sure that all of Fran's needs are met. There are some things a son can't do for his mother. It takes a daughter. She continues to spend countless precious hours with her, keeping her as alert and active as possible and making sure that Fran gets as much pleasure out of life as possible. Ed took tremendous comfort in this. He tried to make the tortuous trip from his room to Fran's, as often as possible. He refused to be pushed in a wheelchair, saying "I need the exercise", preferring to take his walker, his "Putt-Putt". He made this journey across the facility until a week before his death. It was agonizing to watch but he never complained, other than to say, "I'm tired" and usually falling asleep immediately afterwards. Visitors would often find them lying on Fran's bed, wrapped in each others arms, Fran rubbing his head while he hummed with contentment. Larry and Lizzy continued to help Ed with his needs during his last year. Working with the staff and nurses and filling in for them when needed, helping Ed take care of the family business. They took Ed and Fran to Mass on Sunday and out to eat when they were up to it. Eventually this became too much for Ed and Fran. The last time being a trip to the Red Lobster in Early April, an early anniversary dinner. Ed bought dinner and drinks for the family, toasting them all, one last time. It was a good day. Ed fell in love with Lizzy. When she joined the family she quickly went from "Liz" to "Sweetheart". Larry believes that he saw something of a young Francesca in her. In his last days, as Larry began staying full time with Ed in his room, Lizzy would come and go during the day. No matter how bad he felt, his face would light up when she walked in the room. "Hi Sweetheart!", as he allowed Lizzy to kiss his forehead, rub his face, and generally just love on him. When Larry was unsuccessful in getting him to eat something, Lizzy was often able to charm and coax him into a few bites. Lizzy and Diane made his last days better and worry free. A couple months prior to his death, Ed made the decision that he no longer wanted his life to be prolonged by medications or intervention. He chose to simply be made as comfortable as possible through hospice care. When he told his son Larry of this decision, it was initially a heart wrenching and emotional conversation for both. That passed quickly. The decision was made. There were things to do and discuss in the time they had left. Ed was ready to "Get on the bus". In the following days and weeks, Ed would often wonder, out loud, how and why he was still in this world. Larry's answer was always; "It's not our decision Pop. All in the Lord's time. All in God's will". Then Ed would continue to try to do whatever he could do. He would continue to give his best effort. To eat. To walk. To take care of his own needs. To find humor. Two days before he passed, Larry heard him saying; "Okay. Okay. What's going on? I'm ready. I'm ready. Okay. Okay". Larry gave his usual answer regarding God's will. Ed looked at him and said "Who do you think I was talking to?". Like, not you Buttinski. Ed's last coherent words were to ask if Fran was doing okay. He then said "I'm tired. I just want to sleep now". Ed passed away peacefully on April 23rd, at 5:40 AM. Larry was holding his hand as he took his last breath. Without pain. Without anxiety. He passed away on Larry's Birthday, something that Larry considers a Blessing and an honor. He also passed away just one day short of the 67th anniversary of the luckiest day of his life, his marriage to Francisca Valenzuela, the love of his life. I have known the man my entire life. I do not believe that a day went by that that he did not thank God for giving him Francesca. Not one. Rest In Peace Dad. Descansa En Paz mi Amor. (For Mom)   NON ILLEGITIMI CARBORUNDUM - Pop