Walter Hugh “Walt” Swanson, 83, formerly of Crown Point, IN and Glen Ellyn, IL, died at his residence in Charleston, SC on July 31, 2001. He was born on Nov. 28, 1917, in Chicago to Charles A. and Esther Breyfogle Swanson. He graduated from Crown Point High School and attended Northwestern University. He retired from the South Carolina State Ports Authority in 1987, and worked in the shipping industry in Chicago and Cleveland before moving to Charleston. He honorably served in the US Navy in the Pacific theater during WWII. He was an Eagle Scout, Sea Scout Master, member of the American Legion Post 147, and a Mason, as well as a member of numerous civic and trade associations in Chicago and Charleston. Mr. Swanson was an avid photographer and observer of nature. He was predeceased by a brother, Jon O. Swanson; and a brother-in-law, Robert Cleveland. He is survived by his wife, Ferne P. Swanson of Charleston; two daughters, Mimi Swanson-Butler and her husband Tom, of Roanoke, VA, and Sally Swanson and her husband Gary Wickboldt of Chicago; one granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Gwaltney of Roanoke; three sisters, Edith S. Conquest and her husband Leslie, of Crown Point, Marian S. Jollief and her husband Joe of Crown Point, and Thelma Swanson of Cape Coral, FL; one sister-in-law, Ann Swanson Peugh of Menomonee Falls, WI and one brother-in-law Erwin Purdy and his wife Eleanor of Marco Island, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Gadsden Residents Assistance Fund, One Gadsden Way, Charleston, SC 29412, or to the charity of one’s choice.
