Roy Leonard Swanson

Longtime Eatonville, Wash., resident, Roy Leonard Swanson, passed away May 25, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. He was born June 28, 1935, to John S. and Edith D. (McClellan) Swanson in Tacoma, Wash., where he lived as a young boy. He resided at Olympia’s Brookdale Health and Rehabilitation for seven months and in Eatonville (1944-2022). Roy graduated from Eatonville High School in 1953 and attended college at Western Washington College of Education (now Western Washington University) in Bellingham. He served in the Washington National Guard and married Karen Sue Derrick on September 26, 1959, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia; she passed away May 2, 2015. Professionally, Roy worked as a logger, truck driver, and dozer operator for R&J Swanson Logging in Randle, Wash. He was logging in the red Zone when Mt. St. Helens erupted. He retired in 1998. He served on the Eatonville Town Council. Roy was very jovial overall, but those who knew him best, also knew him as Squarehead or Mr. Doom. He loved salmon fishing, shrimping, and family gatherings. He owned his own private plane and flew it thousands of miles. He was flying before he drove a car. He also enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Roy is survived by his son, Michael Derrick Swanson (Krista) of Olympia; daughters, Kim Suzanne Richardson (Rick) of Nampa, Idaho, Sherry Anne Rehse (Paul) of Union, Wash., and Heidi Kay Stephens (Tod) of Eatonville; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; and sister, Virginia Jones. Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, 12:00 p.m. at Masonic Memorial Park, 455 North St. SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.