On Monday June 12, 2023, Arthur John Swanson, loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 88. Arthur was born on January 12, 1935 in Aberdeen, Washington to A. Swanson and Vieno Koski both of Aberdeen. He was brought up speaking Finnish as his first language, being raised in South Aberdeen by his grandparents, Finnish immigrants, John Koski and Alma Vesterinen Koski.
He learned to fish on the Wishkah River with his grandfather whom he adored. He played high school basketball and was ASB President. In 1953, after graduating from Weatherwax HS, he met and fell in love with Geraldine Sheridan, they married and raised four daughters, Connie, Christie, Cathie and Carrie. Arthur was known to be affable, intelligent and energetic. His love and passion for Husky sports was legendary. He held season tickets since 1979 and even made it to a recent game in 2022. He was a savvy UW sports historian. His life’s pleasure was centered around attending the games in Seattle and out of town.
He worked as a Regional Manager for The American Plywood Association in Tacoma, Washington, for 14 years. Arthur pivoted back to what he loved most, fishing. Arthur worked hard and overcame many hurdles to build his life as a commercial salmon fisherman. He fished in Prince William Sound Alaska, Willapa Bay, Columbia River and Puget Sound for over 40 years. He shared his knowledge generously with his friends in commercial fishing.
Arthur was preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Beverly Swanson. He is survived by his children, Connie and Jack Goretti, Christie Swanson and Tom Bedell, Cathie and David Goldberg and Carrie and Randy LaRoche, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Kristin Whinfrey and Jack Brady, Karmen Whinfrey, Nelson LaRoche, Nolon LaRoche and Jessica Armstrong, Jakob and Lauren LaRoche, Eli Goldberg and great-granddaughter Lyla LaRoche, also his stepchildren, Wes, Joe, Larry Bennett and Sherri Giffin, his close friends, the Annette O’Hara Family and the Remington family.
A service will be held at Mountain View, Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., (reception following), Aspen Chapel in The Celebration of Life Center 4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
