Wesley Swanner

Wesley Clessent "Wes" Swanner, a devoted husband, father, and community member, passed away on August 9, 2023, in Palmer, Alaska. He was born on October 18, 1942, in Toledo, Oregon. Wes was a kind, generous, and reliable individual who dedicated his life to serving others.

After graduating from Eddyville High School in 1960, Wes pursued higher education at Magic Valley Christian College “quite by accident” and worked on horseback on a sheep & cattle ranch and in a glue-lam beam plant . However, his career path took another unexpected turn when the draft notice arrived and he joined the United States Air Force, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He served at Patrick AFB and in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where he played a crucial role in supporting the Apollo launches and married the mother of his first daughter, Alicia (Sue Beasley Swanner). Deployment to the Pacific Theater took him to Tin City, Alaska where as a weatherman he supported the DEW Line. He was honorably discharged as an E6.

Following his military service, Wes embarked on a diverse career journey. He obtained his degree at the University of Oregon and married the mother of his second daughter, Anne (Clairanne Caudill (Jackson) Swanner) and adopted her 1/2 brother Richard Blair and became a hydrologist for the United States Geological Service in Oregon. He was soon transferred to the USGS Hydrologic Division in Juneau, Alaska, in 1974. January 7, 1977, he married Susan Jane Anderson. Together they had three more children, Tiana, Loria, and Matthew. Notably, Wes rose to the position of Chief of the Auke Bay Volunteer Fire Department, showcasing his dedication to public safety.

Wes found solace in his faith and was an active member of Douglas Island Bible Church, and then Wasilla Bible Church, where his Alaska family found a faith home after a final transfer to the USGS Anchorage (South-central Alaska) division. He cherished the fellowship and guidance he received from these communities. He retired in 2003 as a GS 11-9.

Outside of his professional and religious commitments, Wes indulged in various hobbies. He enjoyed sailing on the S/V Lady Lou and fishing off the M/V TiLoMa, classic cars and motorcycles, flying (except for that near fatal lake ice landing in Merrill Pass), fishing, hunting, gardening (winning many State Fair ribbons and setting some records) and serving in his church community.

A memorial service celebrating Wes's life of service will take place at 2pm on Saturday, October 7th, 2023, at Wasilla Bible Church, located at 1651 W Nicola Ave, Wasilla. Following the service, a potluck will be held, and the family kindly invites attendees to bring a dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Samaritan's Purse in honor of Wes's compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

Wes Swanner will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of kindness and selflessness will continue to inspire others for years to come.

Wes is survived by his loving wife, Susan Anderson Swanner, sister Carol (Richard), and five of his six children; Alicia (Victor), Anne (Mike), Tiana (Josh), Loria, and Matthew.

Wes was grandfather to Pierce (Tiana) , Blair & Tessa (Richard Blair) Mason, Delaney & Parker Finn (Anne), Cassie, Candice & Jordan (Alicia) and great-grandfather to Tripp (Blair) Logan & Wyatt (Tessa) Emmerett (Delaney) and Sophia (Candice) and Lillie (Cassie).

Wes was preceded in death by his biological father, Marion Wesley, step-father Ed Wilson, mother Vera Viola (Dowel) Wilson, brother Howard, adopted son Richard Blair, and great nephew Matthew (Schroder).

He was Uncle, Great Uncle, and

Great-Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews in Oregon, where his ashes will be spread.