Obituary of Ronald Swenson

Ron's life began December 26, 1933 in Decatur, Illinois. He passed from this life on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA from complications of pulmonary disease. He lived in Roanoke for the last 38 years. A native of Rockford, Illinois, Ron graduated from West High School, then received a BA in English from Beloit College in 1956. During that time he appeared on stage, most notably in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace. This tradition started with his mother and has passed on to his children and grandchildren. College was followed by service in the US Army at Fort Devens, Massachusetts from 1956 to 1959. Upon returning to Rockford from Massachusetts, Ron began his career in the security lock industry. He rose from customer service to sales rep to sales manager throughout his career. That journey took him from National Lock in Rockford, IL and Jamestown, NY to Coin Laundry Equipment Co. in Pensacola, FL, and brought him to his position with Medeco Security Locks in Salem, VA in 1975. Ron was regarded throughout his career for his knowledge of the industry, managerial skills, and, most importantly, his easy way with people. Ron was driven by his love of family and enjoyed spending time with friends. He was an intelligent man with a quick, analytical mind and wry sense of humor. As an avid bookworm, he especially enjoyed science fiction, mysteries, and Sherlock Holmes tales. That passion for books, reading, and people blossomed during retirement through his part-time work at Roanoke County Libraries. He also donated his time to the Roanoke Valley Literacy Volunteers of America, winning the Tutor of the Year award in 2002 and coordinating the annual book drive fundraiser for several years. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a coffee aficionado who loved his sweets (hence the chocolate in his nightstand!). A tool collector and handyman, he always had projects going around the house. As computers and the internet entered the scene, he embraced the new technologies. And Sunday afternoons were spent watching football whatever else was happening. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, and taking advantage of the outdoor beauty wherever he lived. Ron is predeceased by his parents, Donald Wilbur and Velma Ann (Chritton) Swenson. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alice "Faye" Swenson of Roanoke, daughter Nancy (& Bill) Haigh of Fairmont, MN, sons Patrick (& Georgia) Harvey of Blacksburg, VA and Steven (& Theresa Dellinger) Swenson of Christiansburg, VA, and 5 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Homes for our Troops, Wounded Warrior Project, or Roanoke County Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue Squad, No. 5 Hollins, Inc. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 12 pm at Simpson Funeral Home. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home.