Russel Perkins Swaney beloved husband father brother uncle and grandfather age 79 of East Grand Rapids died June 3 2012 at home surrounded by family after a long courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Billy. Rusty was born in Grand Rapids to Russel and Marion Swaney. He was the second of five siblings. Rusty graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and was a member of the 1950 State Championship basketball team and for many years held the record for the most points scored in a final state game (27 points!). Rusty also played varsity baseball for all four years. Rusty also excelled at football and played for two years at the University of Michigan. Rusty was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and graduated with an engineering degree from the University of Michigan in June 1955. Rusty met the love of his life M. Jean Grigware during their freshman year at East Grand Rapids High School. They spent the early years of their marriage in Ann Arbor while Rusty finished his engineering degree at U of M and Jean taught 1st grade. After graduation they moved to Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio Texas where Rusty served as a First Lt. in the United States Air Force. After completion of his service Rusty and Jean returned to East Grand Rapids where they have resided for the past 54 years. Rusty is survived by his loving wife Jean and three children Steve and Sarah Swaney (Austin Spencer Clare), Tom and Sue Swaney (Kirk Bobbie Stewart), and Sherry and Keith Stewart (Billy Peter Jake Stephanie) and grandson Joshua Swaney (father Billy Swaney). Rusty is also survived by his mother-in-law Mary Grigware and his siblings Shirley Swaney Sandy (Cort) Lecklider Bill (Nancy) Swaney and Richard (Terry) Swaney. Rusty Jean and their children have enjoyed the family cottage the Topsider at Macatawa for 52 summers. In their early days at Macatawa Rusty and his sailing friends purchased a 12 meter yacht called the Mitena from a broker on the east coast thus starting big boat racing on Lake Michigan. The racing circuit included numerous Chicago to Mackinaw races. Rusty was the owner of Swaney Sales Inc., a commercial supplier of heating and cooling equipment. The business is now carried on by his son Steve. Rusty was active in the East Grand Rapids Boosters and enjoyed serving as treasurer of the Holland Big Red Lighthouse Historical Commission. Rusty was completely dedicated to his wife children and grandchildren. Rusty was also a big presence in the extended Swaney family. His positive attitude analytical skills big heart and love of family will be missed by all. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 7th at at St. Paul the Apostle Church 2750 Burton SE Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider and Rev. Mark C. Przybysz presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation for the public will be June 6th from 6- 8 PM at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Memorial contributions may be made to I.U. Foundation Cancer Research Dr. Lawrence H. Einhorn M.D., 535 N. Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis IN 46202-5289 or EGR Team Boosters 2211 Lake Dr. SE East Grand Rapids MI 49506.
