As the stars blanketed the sky and quietly lit his path home on Friday November 26, 2021, Kenneth Ray Swingley photographed his last still-shot. He held on tight to his wife until he was safely across.
Born in Hamilton, Montana on June 27, 1944, the second of two boys to Gerald and Nellie (Charbonneau) Swingley, it was Lewistown (the dead-center and melting pot of Montana culture) that raised him. An outstanding athlete, he originally excelled in basketball later turning his talents toward serving in the National Guard.
Professionally, Ken was one of the youngest managers for Sears stores in Missoula and Helena. He joined the Pitney Bowes Corporation in 1976 and became a District Manager covering three western states until his retirement.
Ken was previously married and had four sons; Mike, Scott, Jeff and Brian Swingley. At 42 years old, he married his soulmate and love of his life, Deborah McCallum on January 28, 1987. For almost 35 years, they filled the pages of their album with Kodachrome and digital memories cruising in their little red Corvette.
Ken is survived by the picture book of now still memories created by trips across the country and the Bahamas with his wife Deborah, son Jeff and daughter-in-law Traci, as well as grandchildren, Christian Swingley and Gabby Clinch. It is the snapshots of these memories that remain to secure a final legacy of moving forward in love.
Predeceased by his parents and Deborah’s, his brother Wayne and sister-in-law Shirley Swingley, granddaughter Mariah Swingley and son Brian Swingley, Ken is also survived by his remaining sons and their families including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at Anderson, Stevenson Wilke funeral home on Friday December 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Services will be held on Saturday December 4th at St Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral, 511 N Park in Helena at 2:00pm. A reception will follow at the original Montana Club located at 24 West 6th Avenue in Helena at 3:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Friday December 3, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
2 p.m.
Saturday December 4, 2021
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Saturday December 4, 2021
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
3:30 p.m.
Saturday December 4, 2021
Montana Club
24 W. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Friday December 3, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
2 p.m.
Saturday December 4, 2021
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
Saturday December 4, 2021
St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral
511 N. Park Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
3:30 p.m.
Saturday December 4, 2021
Montana Club
24 W. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Barbara Knutson says
Deb,
I am so sorry my friend. Know that I am always here for you. You and his boys are in my prayers. Love and hugs sweet friend. Barb Knutson
Ruth Ann Shuler says
Everything I’ve started to say sounds so canned or trite. Ken will be sorely missed. HUGS!
Connie Phelps says
Deb I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and the boys 💕🙏
Kryss Kuntz says
Deb,
My heart is saddened to hear of the loss of your dear love Ken. He was quite the fighter, and you were his warrior every step of the way. May your faith and love of our dear Lord guide your heart during this difficult time. Please know that I am sending a mountain of hugs for you and your family. God Speed Ken, I’m sure your new home will offer many beautiful photos. Send some back to us. ❤️🤟
Love and hugs
Kryss
Dusty and Kathy Wildish says
Deb, we are so sorry to hear about Ken passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Kens’ family.
Dusty and Kathy
Ricky Bobbie says
Psalm 44:21
Arlene Flynn says
Deb,
I was saddened to read about Ken’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sioux Roth says
Deb:
We were so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. May peace and grace be with you today, and always. We hope happy and joyful times you shared together, bring you a smile, when you need it the most. Sioux and Tim
Patty Donoho says
Deborah, my heart breaks for you! Sending prayers for comfort. My sincere condolences!
Sincerely,
Patty Donoho
Patty Donoho says
Deborah, Prayers for comfort and healing through this difficult time. My sincere Condolences to you and the family.
Ali (Nistler) Poelman says
Hugs. Love and prayers.
Jane Hamman says
Dear Deb,
My sympathy as you and family members grieve. So glad to read you were there with Ken, as you have been on so many journeys, when he left and crossed over home. Sorry I’m gone and unable to be with you today for the Celebration of Ken’s life. Hugs, Love and Prayers.
Susan L Jackson says
Dear Deborah–I did not know Ken but I know you and send much sympathy and love to you. Sue Jackson
Len Nopen says
I am sooo sorry about Ken. I got the news of his death last night and was surprise but am glad Ken didn’t have to suffer any longer. May God bless you & the family!