Gary Swanson passed away on February 10, 2016 at the age of 54 after an extended illness.

Gary was the youngest son born to Roy and Wanda Swanson on July 27, 1961. He was a native and lifelong resident of Eureka. As a youngster he worked for his Dad at many of his gas stations. In 1977, he went to work at the Eureka Bowl, and in 1979 was promoted to manager. Gary loved to bowl and bowled many local, state and national tournaments until a back injury sidelined him in 1996. He worked at the Eureka Bowl until 1983, briefly worked at Rio Dell Bowl, and then in September 1983 went to work as a bartender at the Royal Pacific Lounge, where he worked until he retired in 1995.

After a couple years of retirement in 1998 he became a Volunteer Patrolman for the Eureka Police Department. He held many positions within the volunteer program: Administrative assistant, field training Officer and a two-year term as Team Leader. During this time with the EVP, he was selected Volunteer of the year in 2001; and twice was selected the recipient of the Pat Mitchell Award. He cared deeply for the Eureka Police Department and all its personnel.

Gary loved to play golf, and as a young man enjoyed river fishing, especially on the Mad River.

Gary is survived by his brothers Royce Swanson and wife Carol, and Ed Swanson and wife Keri. He is also survived by his nephews Alan, Jon, Duane and Austin Swanson, Greg and Jason Callender; niece Kristina Roberts and many grandnieces and nephews. He is also survived by Jim, Tess and Sara Armstrong. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his lifelong companion Gary Ellingwood, and his Grandmother Bertha Taylor.

Visitations will be at Sanders Funeral Home, 1885 E street, Eureka on Monday Feb. 22 from 3-7pm. Funeral services will also be at Sanders Funeral Home on Tuesday February 23 at 11 am. Everyone is welcome to come to the Elks Lodge at 1 p.m. to share Gary stories. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Armstrong, Len Johnson, Bill Walser, Dr. James Hilgers, Dr Lee Leer, and Jerry Cardoza.

We would like to thank Dr. Leo Leer for his many years of excellent care and compassion he gave to Gary. Dr. Leer, you were always there for Gary and we thank you for that. we would also like to thank Hospice of Humboldt for their excellent care of Gary. All of you are awesome!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Eureka Police Department Volunteer Patrol, Hospice of Humboldt or to the Tailwaggers thrift shop for care of abused and neglected animals.

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The obituary above was submitted by Gary Swanson’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.