Winston Carlisle Swift passed away peacefully on January 3, 2015, after a long, courageous bout with Parkinson’s disease. Winston was born on May 13, 1943, in Elmhurst, Illinois to Anice and Duane Swift. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ohio State University and was a Montana State Government retiree.
Winston’s passion was music, especially piano, which he learned at a young age. For fun he composed pieces in classical, ragtime and boogie styles.
He is survived by his beloved sister; June Ewing, brother; Thomas Swift, and his faithful girlfriend, Diane Funk. A. Memorial service will be held at Rocky Mountain Care Center, 30 South Rodney Street, Helena, Montana.
A memorial service celebrating Winston’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2014 at the Rocky Mountain Care center, 30 South Rodney Street.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 12, 2015
Rocky Mountain Care Center
30 South Rodney Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday January 12, 2015
Rocky Mountain Care Center
30 South Rodney Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Brian Hohn says
Sorry to here of Winston’s passing. We had Winston play piano at our wedding, he was a fabulous musician. I also spent time visiting with him while we both worked for Montana DEQ. He will be missed.
Gary Wallace says
I knew Winston when he lived in Denver. He played piano for a play I directed, Philemon. He was an amazing talent. We would talk for hours.
Debra Biasca, Boulder says
I was playing my own piano, from a lovely book or pieces composed by Winston (*The Music Craftsman*) when I thought to look him up to see what he did after he left Colorado and in case I could thank him. I was saddened to see this obituary and wanted to add my condolences to his family. He was so talented and left me with such musical enjoyment.
Timothy Hall says
Winston and my brother, David Hall we’re very good friends in Pasadena, CA. David passed away this last summer but spoke very fondly of Winston. I encouraged him to reconnect with Winston not knowing that he had already passed. I’m truly sorry for his family’s loss.
Damian Nash says
Winston was my piano teacher in Boulder when I was a kid. My family loves his ragtime piece “Boogie #7” and are trying to find an mp3 file recording of it. Does anyone know where we can find it? The man is gone, sadly, but his music must live on!