Leonard Swanzy

Published 9:50 am Monday, February 26, 2018

– Leonard A. Swanzy – June 16, 1927 – Len was born to Jay Swanzy and Carrie Angeline (Smith) Swanzy, June 16, 1927, in Alexander, KS. He enlisted in the Navy on July 26, 1944. He learned SCUBA diving at NTC, Farragut, ID, served onboard LST 1091 in the Pacific, received the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and the WWII Victory Medal, and he was honorably discharged in Bremerton, WA, on June 29, 1946. He joined his parents in Jefferson, OR. After doing many jobs around the state, he got a job with a little logging company in Toledo, OR. He gave the owner’s daughter a ride on his motorcycle andthey were married a few months later. Len and Betty were married until her passing, December 24, 2009.They lived in Toledo for several years, where Robin and Jay were born, and after moving to Roseburg, they had Janice. In 1959, they moved to Bend, where he remained until his passing. Len became a Ham RadioOperator and Betty also got her license. Len was involved with rescue diving while still in Roseburg. After Murry and Holt hired him to be their diesel mechanic, he ran the diesel shop until his retirement. Soon after moving to Bend, he joined the fire department. He remained active for many years. He was even chosen Fireman of the Year for the state of Oregon, among many other honors. He became an EMT and kept learning skills which he used when he joined Search and Rescue. He also joined Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol and did mountain rescues. He taught classes for Red Cross First Aid and taught high angle rope rescue to the fire departments and community college classes around the state for many years. When he slowed down later in life, he joined the Central Oregon Flyfishers. He loved tying flies and giving them as presents, and teaching children how to fish. He was active in the club until his health started failing. After Betty’s passing, he moved to the Vintage Apartments, where he made many friends and loved theview from his windows. He joined the Central Oregon Band of Brothers and very seldom missed ameeting. He was honored to be a flag bearer at ceremonies. He was thrilled to be able to go on an honor flight to Washington D.C. with many of his veteran brothers. He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touch over his long life. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Schulte of Pasco, WA; children, Robin (Ron) Dencer, Jay (Frankie) Swanzy, and Janice (Ray) Holly; 4 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-granddaughter. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 16, 2018. Details will be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to the Central Oregon Band of Brothers.