September 22, 2020
Kenneth “Brian” Ray Swingley departed this world to enter the Kingdom of Heaven on September 21, 2020. He was 46 years old at the time of his passing. Brian was born on December 8, 1973 to Ken and Jan Swingley in Helena, Montana. He was the youngest of four boys. It was evident from his earliest years that Brian was full of compassion and kindness. He always sought out friendships with anyone no matter what background they came from. Brian’s generosity knew no bounds. He looked up to his three older brothers, two of whom were Montana Highway Patrol Officers. After his graduation from Capital High School in 1992, Brian worked various jobs in Helena until 1996, when he too joined the Montana Highway Patrol. Working as a law enforcement officer was one of Brian’s proudest accomplishments. Later, Brian became a Motor Carrier Safety Officer with the Montana Department of Transportation where he continued his work in the field of justice. In 1999 he married Heather Wildish and together they had a son, Brian Swingley. After working for the state of Montana Brian chose to focus his time and energy on working in the field of human services. He worked many years for Shodair Children’s Hospital and most recently, up until the time of his passing, Family Outreach of Helena. Brian tirelessly advocated for the needs of his clients. He deeply cared for their health and well-being, which showed in every interaction he had with them. In addition to professionally caring for his Family Outreach clients, Brian never passed up an opportunity to show kindness to those in need. For example, on a cold winter day Brian literally gave a needy man the coat off of his back. He wanted to be sure a stranger had warmth even if that meant he would be without. Just last week a man had fallen down in front of a local grocery store and Brian was the first one to rush over to help him up. He took the man into the grocery store and paid for his food. He would often buy a meal for a homeless person and offer them a ride to where they needed to go and leave them with some cash.
Brian’s sense of humor was thoroughly enjoyed by his family and friends. He would randomly send a text out of the blue to his family members that would leave everyone laughing for the rest of the day. He loved to play jokes on his brothers as well. The schemes he came up with were often detailed and well crafted. Brian’s Christian faith was readily apparent as he acted out his beliefs in the way he treated others.
Brian was fascinated with Montana history, especially the events surrounding the Battle of the Little Big Horn. He often volunteered his time at the battlefield during re-enactments. It was one of his favorite places to visit.
He is survived by his mother Jan (Robert) Silberling, his father Kenneth (Deborah) Swingley, his son Brian Swingley, his brothers Mike (Dana) Swingley, Scott (Moreen) Swingley, and Jeff (Traci) Swingley, and step sisters Amy (John) Schroeck and Jodi (Scott) Rudolf and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations in Brian’s name be made to Family Outreach of Helena. A service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at 11 am, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Helena to honor the life of this remarkable man. Due to COVID-19 circumstances the service will be family only and facial masks will be required. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, September 25th the family will receive friends and the public at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday September 25, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Friday September 25, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Kimberly Benjamin says
I am so sorry for your loss, I worked with Brian at Safeway and Shodair Children’s hospital. He was always very loving and caring.
Colleen Hallberg says
I was saddened by the news about Brian. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michelle Boone says
The world has lost a kind, thoughtful man. He will be missed.
Harold Owens says
Sorry to hear about this wonderful man caring and compassionate and caring to all the other people around him going to miss hanging out with him and saying hello to him every time he sees me rest in peace my friend although I don’t know you for along time. God bless you for being the caring person you were rest in peace your friend mr harold Owens
Ken Berg says
Barb and I send our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to you and your families for the loss of your brother. We are lifting you up with prayers of comfort and healing.
Kathy Strobel says
Jan and Bob,
I am so sorry for the loss of Brian. Please know you are in my prayers during this hard time.
Kathy
Janice Osborne says
I am sad to hear of Brian’s passing. I worked with him at shodair and over the years many connections with our mental health work. It was always great to see him and no matter he would always take time for a conversation. He did have the biggest heart! Rest easy Brian.
Peter and Michelle Van Nice says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Brehe says
Dear Jan and Bob
I was so saddened to hear of Brian’s death. My heart goes out to you. Be assured of my prayers for you in the days ahead. May Brian rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Stephen Brehe says
Dear Ken and Deborah
I am so saddened about Brian’s death. I am sure your hearts are broken. I have good memories of Brian helping out at St. Peter’s Cathedral along with Ken. He was such a good guy. May Brian rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Zerick and Whitney Richerson says
Sorry for you loss Swingley Family. Brian was an great guy and could make anyone laugh!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Samuel Albert Brown says
As I do my best to carry my cross through this brief existence, I will be even more vigilant to those who call out. I only met Brian briefly, and would only wish I could have been there more. We are all part of the creation and play a role. There will be an empty place in our Togendowagen community too. My sincere condolences go out to you and yours.
T.N. says
My heart is broken…..this man was an angel to me. At age 14, I was lost trying to find loving kindness and my self worth in everyone I met, because I wasn’t wanted or loved at home. I met him through a friend, and he offered to give me a ride home. In that ride, I felt his purity and his genuine concern for my well-being….we became friends and he was always reminding me that God loves me. He was warm and sincere and deeply respectful. Very fun! and I never stopped looking for him….I just didn’t realize his name was Kenneth. I wanted to let him know that because of him, I knew what true trust and kindness felt like. Because of our friendship, I knew what kind of relationships I’d accept in my life. Without his light and compassion…..Im not sure where I would be. I loved him. I was always grateful for him. And sidebar: Every Swingley that ever pulled me over was kind and respectful. Jan sewed me a Teddy Bear with a dress and straw hat that my grandmother gave to me for my sweet 16. Lovely people. All of you. My warmest condolences.
Ron Boswell says
My thoughts and prayers are with all Brian’s family and friends. Such a sad time for all. I pray that God will place his guiding hands upon you and lead you thru this difficult time. Matthew 5:9
Daan Stordiau says
Dear family,
You all mean the world to me so to hear this news is so incredibly sad and unfortunate. My heart truly goes out to all of you, but particularly Jeff, Mike, Scott and Jan. Wishing you all the strength on this earth to work through this loss.
Wade Fisher says
Leslie and I are extremely saddened by the passing of Brian. He was a very good and kind person. We will miss him greatly. If anyone in your family needs anything at all, we are here for you.
Karleen Hanson says
Swingley Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy.
Mimi says
Dear Jan and family,
A beautifully written tribute for Brian
I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling, there are no words.
May your memories of Brian comfort you now and always.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Hugging you in my heart.
Sharon Meyer says
Jan and family,
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all at the loss of Brian, please know Jan as a mom I feel your pain and sorrow. God Bless you all in this time of sorrow. Love and hugs.
Sharon Meyer
Sandie Dearman says
Deb and Ken
There are no words to express my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless you both.
Mike Mahoney says
Brian was a very loving and caring man.He had a very special soft spot in his heart for people with developmental delays and touched the lives of many people that he worked with at Family Outreach.
My heart goes out to your family and our thoughts and prayers going out to them in this incredibly painful time of loss.
May God bless you and welcome you into his arms.
Mike Mahoney
Lenna Faglie says
Swingley Family: Brian was a very very sweet and loving man. I spent a lot of time with this wonderful human being in the work place. He was one of the most caring people I have EVER met and I will never forget him. The last time I saw him, Saturday the 19th, we spent an hour at the office together, just me and him working on his schedule. This man drove all the way to Mcdonald’s just to get me an iced water, and often brought me diet sodas. He did not hesitate to help anyone,ever. It was the little things he did…my heart hurts for his family and friends. Words really can not express what an amazing person he was. I will forever miss hearing “see ya later Boss” when he would be leaving the office or ending a phone call. See ya later Brian.
Ronee Britt says
I am so saddened by this and my heart breaks for your entire family. Your family means the world to me and I hate that you’re going through this. Hold the memories close and never forget how much Brian loved you all. Jan, Moreen, Scott, Sarah, Hannah (heck, any of you Swingleys!)…Im here for anything you need, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ronee
Daniel Collings says
I am truly saddened to hear of Brians passing. My heart goes out to each and every one of the Swingley family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joy Edgar says
God Bless You Jan, Bob and family as you go through the passing of Brian. My love and prayers are with you now and always Peace to your hearts!
Russell says
Sorry for your loss he was a regular at my work Burger King he was such a kind hearted guy even when I would give him a hard time or try to prank him his reaction was always the same a great big smile from ear to ear lol I’m guessing after reading about how he was a good prankster he was probably thinking this guy has nothing on me lol he will be missed you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts 😊❤️❤️
Kelly Rhimer says
So sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I met him a few time, and he was as wonderful and kind as the Swingley family. The world lost a kind gentle soul. Safe journey Brian
Kalli Kind says
Brian was a classmate. Our senior year Vigilante Parade float was about Chief Joseph and I remember Brian being a wealth of information. He was kind to everyone and had a great sense of humor. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Rosemarie Tamol says
I am deeply saddened to read this. I express my condolences to the whole Swingley family. I pray you all may feel the sweet peaceful comfort of The Holy Spirit at this time.
Jeanette Garrett says
Was so sad to hear of his passing. I have posted a feed on my Facebook for classmates to tell their memories of him. Please check it out and add memories too. He was an awesome friend and will be missed by so many. My condolences for the family and his son.
Sheri Erhardt (formerly Jewell) says
My thought are with the Swingleys. I have so many childhood memories involving Brian. It made me smile reading about his passion with Montana history and participation in re-enactments. I remember he played “cowboys and Indians” a lot (probably not anything you would see today) but he was always wanting to protect and honor the Native Americans with reverence. I remember him always being kind and thoughtful. We had so much fun in our childhood! Kickball, races, biking all over the place, tag, and so many more memories I have with your sweet Brian. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Jason Swant says
Very sorry for this loss. Brian and I worked together at Shodair for several years a long time ago. It is true that Brian was a friend to anyone. Rest easy, may the lord comfort you and watch over your loved ones.
Diana Stewart says
I am so sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a sweet great guy. He always had a special place in my heart. My condolences to everyone who loved this man! Gone to soon but will never be forgotten.
Scott Burke says
So very sorry for your loss. Brian will be greatly missed. He was a very special and caring person.
Michael Drysdale says
My condolences to the entire Swingley Family for your loss. I met Brian when I moved to Helena while in our Sophomore year at Capital. Starting at a new school at that point was difficult, but Brian became a close friend and made the transition easier. As the years have passed after graduation, I regret not keeping in touch like we did early on and had recently thought about him with fond memories. He is gone too soon.
Kim Wiggins says
I am so sorry for the loss of Brian. I remember him always being very nice to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brenda Staley says
Sorry to hear of Brian’s passing, Heaven certainly gained an angel. He was always so nice to everyone. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for comfort for his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Brian and fly high until we meet again.
Bean says
Known him since high school, worked beside him later on with his passion to help others. Wonderful person. May memories get you through this time. Many people touched by such a kind heart.
Bean
Rick Davenport says
Jan, Bob, Mike and all
What a sorrow to hear of his passing. Your family has endured so much grief but I relieved to know there is strong faith to sustain during this time. My love and prayers to you all.
April Gregg Toll says
Brian was a very sweet friend & co-worker of Our Place Drop-In Center. He would often make others smile; very caring towards clients. Always offering to help with group prodjects & fund raisers. Brian will be very much missed! My heart is sad today tho im happy he is with the lord. I am sad i will not see him here on earth. My condolences go out to his family!
lawrence thomas says
Dear Jan and Bob,
We are so sorry for your loss! Jan, you were always so proud of your boys and loved them unconditionally. We are very sad for you and know that you and Bob are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Larry Thomas
Nancy Nys says
Jan and Bob, I am so sorry to hear about you son Brian. You are both in my thoughts and prayers
Nancy and Jim Nys
CoriLea Broadbrooks (Hintz) says
My thoughts and prayers go out to your families, Brian was such a sweet man always being a joker when I hung out with him in high school. Fly high with the angels Brian, you will be missed
Larriann Murphy says
Jan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Connie Phelps says
Deb and Ken My heart and prayers are with you 💕
Brian swingley says
Will miss you pops much love from down below, your son Brian jr.