Jeffrey Michael Swolgaard

Jeffrey Michael Swolgaard passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 30, 2016 due to a preexisting heart condition. He was born on February 25, 1977 in Santa Cruz, California. He attended Westlake Elementary School, Mission Hill Jr. High and Santa Cruz High School. He went on to graduate from Cabrillo College. Jeff had a passion for music of all kinds. While attending Santa Cruz High, he was involved in the Concert Band, Jazz Band and the Marching Band, as a drummer. When he attended Cabrillo College he performed with the Jazz Band under the direction of Ray Brown. When Jeff was a freshman in High School, he became the drummer for his high school friend Frankie Moreno. They spent quite a few years playing in different venues from the local area, then in the bay area, Las Vegas and beyond. He left the Santa Cruz area for a while, but was drawn back by his love for the music scene. In the last few years he played with the band Whiskey Pass, and just recently had started with a second band Tin Can Tourists. He again found his passion and had never been happier! He even enjoyed every practice he had with these wonderful friends he had made. He was in his element and was always treated like a professional by his fellow band members. Jeff also had another passion, the San Francisco Giants! Jeff played little league and pony league baseball and was the catcher for the Santa Cruz High baseball team. He held a few different jobs as he grew up, he started as a candy boy at Marini's at the beach when he was 14. He went on to work at Long's in downtown Santa Cruz, Levitz in Southern California, Harbor Ready Mix in Redwood City and then his current position at Granite Construction as a mixer driver. Jeff is survived by his parents, Gordon & Colleen Swolgaard, his brother Jason Swolgaard and his wife Giulia and three nieces, Amelia, Caitlin and Alyssa Swolgaard. He is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins that loved him dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held at Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Santa Cruz High School Band Boosters care of Santa Cruz High School, (415 Walnut Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060).