Donald Raymond Swanson, beloved husband of Gloria Swanson of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on January 11th, 2006 at the age of 75 years. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on December 28th, 1930 he received all his schooling in Minneapolis. He enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950 serving two years as an aviation mechanic. He graduated from Chiropractic College in St. Louis, Missouri in 1959. He came to Canada in July of 1960 to Taber and to Brooks in 1965. Don loved to hunt, to fish and enjoyed curling, singing with the barbershop group and puttering around the house. He was a Past Master of the Brooks Masonic Lodge, Past President of Big Country Shrine Club, Brooks Kinsmen and K40’s. Don will be lovingly remembered for his love for his family especially his grandchildren; he loved to help people and was always there for his patients; and for his smile and sense of humour. He was predeceased by his first wife Ruth on April 28th, 1971, his parent May and Herbert, sister Joyce Nelson and sister-in-law Helena Swanson. Don’s great memories have been left with his loving wife Gloria and her children, daughter Sherry Drotos of Stratford, Ontario; son Allan Drotos of Carbon; grandchildren Nikkol Urban and Joey Urban and their father Rob Urban; brothers Robert Swanson of Las Vegas and Jerry Swanson of Portland, Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 14th from the Brooks United Church. Honorary Pallbearers were members of the Masonic Lodge and Shrine Club. Active Pallbearers were Masons – Les Payne, Lloyd Burt, Don MacIntrye, Doug Ingram, Vern Alvis and Don Murray. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Don, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation for the Gentle Care Unit, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
